Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 7, 1 July 1993 — Hawaiian language makes a comeback [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian language makes a comeback

by JefTClark The Hawanan language is making a comeback, but remains on the brink of extinction. That's according to Puakea Nogelmeier, UH-Mānoa Hawaiian language instructor and radio host, who says, "We're still fīghting for stability. Although we're in a renaissance — there are more places to learn than ever before — there is still a long way to go." 'Olelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language) would be out of danger "if we could get 10,000 people speaking fluently and then some vehicles for them to remain fluent," Nogelmeier said, adding that without use and reinforcement, a fluent speaker loses fluency very quickly. Reinforcement would have to include

Hawaiian-language radio and television in addition to opportunities for conversation. But it's not enough that stations broadcast in Hawaiian: they must offer

quality programming whose information is worth getting in its own right, not just because it's in Hawaiian. Speakers of Hawaiian ean reinforce their abilities by joining 'Ahahui 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, or Hawaiian Language Association. Nogelmeier is its president. Founded in 1977 to encourage the perpetuation of Hawaiian eulture, specifically the Hawaiian language, it costs $4 to join, and hosts various events during the year. When talking to Nogelmeier and others who make their living by helping to perpetuate 'ōlelo Hawai'i, you get the impression there's a real sense of urgency about their work. Says Lilinoe Young of 'Aha Pūnana Leo, "Hopefully we will

become a nation of native speakers again. But now we are trying to work through our children." During this school year there were 132 children enrolled in

Pūnana Leo schools statewide, and because of expanded enrollment at the Wai'anae and Kaua'i sites, next year that number will exceed 150. Anita Bruce, education special-

ist in the state Department of Education, said 470 students were enrolled this year in Kula Kaiapuni Hawai'i, the public schools Hawaiian immersion program. (Young estimates that two-

thirds of these students are former Pūnana Leo children.) In a d d i t i o n , 1,200 secondary (high school and intermediate) students took ' ō 1 e 1 o H a w a i ' i classes. Four levels of Hawaiian and two levels of conversational Hawaiian are offered in

high school, and enrollment has been going up: "It's been a slight increase every year," Bruce said. Mueh more than a slight increase in enrollment in Hawaiian language courses has taken plaee at Kamehameha

Schools. In 1982-83 there were 96 students in grades 9-12 enrolled in 'ōlelo Hawai'i. Ten years later, the number of Hawaiian language students in grades 7-12 was 748, and almost 1,000 are enrolled for next year. Sarah Quick, Kamehameha Schools high school Hawaiian language instructor, said immersion programs have played a big part in the increase in enrollment by Kamehameha's high schoolers, even though immersion students haven't reached high school age: When the immersion students visit the campus, the older students are impressed and inspired to learn their language.

Other factors helping to swell Kamehameha 'ōlelo classes are cultural exchanges with South Pacific Islanders - the students are embarrassed that they can't speak their native tongue when their southern cousins are able to - and the current interest in Hawaiian issues. With topics like Kaho'olawe and sovereignty on everyone's mind, many young Hawaiians look to their cultural heritage as they search for, or solidify, their identities. Quick has a pat answer for 'ōpio who seek advice when embarking on journeys of selfdiscovery: "You have to learn the language, because language contains how people think and feel." It's also illuminating to be able to read David Malo and other Hawaiian historians without relying on translations, Quick said, but added, "If for no other reason, learn it because this is the language of your kūpuna." Kamehameha's continuing education division also offers a variety of evening classes, including Hawaiian language. Registrar

Susan Lau said there are 163 students enrolled in five 'ōlelo classes this summer. There are 37 sections of Hawaiian language scheduled for the fall semester at the University of Hawai'i-Mānoa. They will be attended by 623 students, 207 of whom are enrolled in beginning classes. Said Emily 'loli'i Hawkins, Hawaiian language coordinator, "All the classes are full. But we'll be letting people add on ... if people eome the first day, we usually let them in." There will be 12 sections

(seven of them beginning) of 'ōlelo Hawai'i classes at UHHilo next semester. Hawkins responds with eautious optimism when asked about the language's survival. "As long as the interest is the way it is now, we don't have to worry. But if people take things for granted, then we have to worry." Ensuring there are funds for teachers, materials and programs is a struggle that needs to be joined. "Nothing is going to eome for Hawaiian language unless we push for it, and that push has to be constant," Hawkins said. "I think the atmosphere in the state is good, I think the community in general supports Hawaiian language."

"If for no other reason, learn it because this is the language of your kūpuna." - Sarah Quick

"Nothing is going to eome for Hawaiian language unless we push for it." - Emily 'loli'i Hawkins

Students of Kaiapuni Hawai'i o Waiau, the Hawaiian immersion program at Waiau Elementary, participate in Lei Day activities.