ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: Papa ʻŌlelo

In this papa  you will learn some important terms to remember for future lessons.  Why?  Because before long, you will at least be able to read and write and will have to practice speech with someone who knows.

Over time, you will see less and less English in these posts.  When you can proficiently understand, you know you have mastered at least the grammar part.  This is not a certified program, nor is it targeted to teach someone who does not have prior experience immersed in Hawaiʻian culture.  We are not aiming to undermine profits and school institutions.  It is simply meant to kokua in restorative efforts, thus being just another resource for nā Kanaka Maoli to reconnect with our own identity.

For those of you using this resource to advance in your personal learning adventure,  we highly advise you to write notes, copy translations and practice writing, reading out loud and spreading your wings.  It is inside you - upto you to bring it out.

It is important to make these understandings before moving forward:

• Remember that ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is not English and does not operate on the same language system as English.  
• Equally, know that the written portion of our language has been fastened by English speaking haoles.  This means that they built our grammatical structure to suit their learning needs.  If you did well in English class, you will clearly see.  If you didn't do well in English,  this language will probably make more sense to you.
• Keep in mind that because our speech pattern was so foreign to them, they ultimately decided where we use P/B,  T/K,  L/R and so forth.  To be honest, if you can make a sound between each letter and its matching counterpart, that is probably more accurate in most cases, than either letter.
• Also keep in mind that ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi from school is slightly different than that you may have learned at home.  Neither way is wrong.  What you learn from your family is how your family spoke.  What you learn in school is a bit more mainstreamed to be able to be relatable in all its forms.  No need to argue that.  Use your good thinking to continue on as your ohana  has for centuries.

Now that we have 4 understandings out of the way,  let us move on.  Each post is only going to have one focus to limit confusion. This way, if you choose to print something out or use the site frequently, your particular lesson of the moment will not be overcrowded, which can bring distraction, confusion and ultimately frustration.

If you receive updates on this or any particular post, it is because that post has truly been updated.  There is much more to this particular post than I am going to be able to remember at this particular time.  As we move forward, this post will eventually become irrelevant to you.  It is only meant to be an introduction to the foundation meant to build you.

If you have any questions or concerns about the content of this blog,  please contact kanakafreedom@gmail.com