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Aloha mai! Aunty here. I am often asked, "Why are you learning Hawaiian? The simplest answer is: "For fun!" Flippant perhaps, but honest.Learning Hawaiian is indeed fun; yes, at times, challengingly fun. For most, the enormity of learning a new language is daunting. It was for me. But the Hawaiian culture is fun-loving, gentle and spiritual. These qualities are reflected in the language. Learning Hawaiian soon became fun and non-intimidating. The initial feeling of overwhelm quickly subsided. Plunging headlong into it by making a personal commitment to use and THINK it everyday for the rest of my life, I began learning it one word at a time, then one lesson at a time.It has been a passionately joyful and rewarding experience. Words became phrases, phrases became words, words became sentences. And these days, I occasionally dream in Hawaiian! You may wish to explore the reasons why you might learn Hawaiian: 20 Pono Reasons to Learn Hawaiian.For me, the time to learn was Reason #20: Ka Manawa Pono (The Right Time). Precisely. It was my time to appreciate. Time to savor. Time to give back. Time to share. Time to climb higher mountains. Time to Be. Perhaps, for you, too, it is Ka Manawa Pono? I must confess: the call to the language went far beyond self-indulgent "fun". Unexpectedly, the language of my homeland smacked me awake and out of a deep, long sleep. My Hawaiian consciousness had been awakened. I have thought in ways that I had not since childhood, and sometimes in new, surprising ways. My eyes were opened to a fresh awareness and appreciation of my "island roots" and the Hawaiian values of my childhood, values that I have since reclaimed and now embrace.In return for my efforts, ka `ôlelo (the language) has generously gifted me back with:
I have been described as passionate. I am. Passion is my muse and guide. Life is short. Whether at home, work or play, I aspire to live a life engaged in meaningful activities and with people I dearly love. Learning Hawaiian has been a life-affirming and life-enhancing gift, a makana. Reciprocity--pâna`i-- is a Hawaiian value; thus, as my makana aloha (fig., gift from the heart) back to the Hawaiian language and to honor nâ kupuna (elders, past, present and future). Sharing is a very Hawaiian thing to do. As a people, Hawaiians are genial, affectionate, and generous in their sharing.The Hawaiian Language website is a manifestation of reciprocity and sharing, created with the intention of allowing a world-wide access to the language, however humble: Most of all, I'd love it if you would become one more person who lives in its beautiful, melodic, gentle, yet powerful beauty.Aloha a hui hou, Aunty D~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I know not how I may seem to others, but to myself |
