Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 11, Number 4, 1 April 1994 — "E ʻōlelo i ka 'ōoleo ʻōiwi i ola ka ʻōlelo o nā ʻōwoi ē!" [ARTICLE]

"E ʻōlelo i ka 'ōoleo ʻōiwi i ola ka ʻōlelo o nā ʻōwoi ē!"

What is "language"? A dictionary will tell you that language is "a system of eommunication using arbitrary vocal sounds or written symbols." In short, it is simply a method of conveying information. But to a native people, language is so mueh more, and so mueh more important. Language defines who we are, and how we are unique. Language is the foundation of our culture. lt is the cradle that carries our history, our songs, our teachings, our traditions. Language - as sure as our precious 'āina - gives us life. Today, the growing use of Hawaiian offers hope that our culture and identity will indeed live on. Successful programs are increasing the number of Hawaiian language speakers throughout the islands. But we must recognize that such success cannot be taken for granted. Surely our ancestors a century ago would never have thought that our language could become extinct. And yet that very nearly happened within just a few short generations. By the middle of this century, Hawaiian language had no official status, was taught in no public schools, was offered at the University merely to aid in academic research, and was found in everyday usage in only some raral communities and among a few musicians and kumu hula. The paee of progress, government policies, the growth of pidgin among Hawai'i's many immigrants, and outright discrimination, all contributed to the near extermination of the Hawaiian language,

along with many other aspects of our culture. Fortunately, our native language found new vitality, and began to • grow onee more. But there is still mueh to do to keep it alive, especially among our youngest generations. When one learns the language of a culture, one also learns the history, traditions, moral codes, and many other aspects of that culture. This is especially

trae of the Hawaiian language with its poetry and metaphors. And the emphasis that the Hawaiian community is placing on revitalizing a living language is consistent with traditional Hawaiian beliefs in the power of language. When we perpetuate our language, we empower ourselves. In recent years, more and more of us have chosen to learn, or better leam, our native tongue. And when we take such personal actions, not only is our language and culture enriched, so are we.

"Speak » the iiative that the language of the people will endure!"