A New Initiative Is Helping Revitalize the Hawaiian Language

Iolani Palace, Hawaii
Iolani Palace, Hawaii | © Peter / Flickr
Kalena McElroy

Duolingo is among the language learning mobile apps seeking to revitalize endangered languages. In this case, it is providing a modern spin on how to learn the indigenous Hawaiian language.

Since 1992, an increasing number of cities throughout the US have swapped Columbus Day for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrating Native American history and culture. Language is an essential aspect of Hawaiian heritage in particular – not just as a means of communicating but as a construct for a culture’s entire worldview. However, many native languages across the globe are dying at an unprecedented rate.

Right now, there are approximately 7,000 languages in existence, but 50% of the world’s population speaks just 20 languages. According to The Endangered Languages Project, 165 languages in the US alone are at risk of dying out. One of those is the indigenous language of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i, the Hawaiian language.

While globalization is one of the many culprits of language loss, it may also aid in the revitalization of these threatened languages, along with advancements in technology. For instance, mobile apps like Duolingo and Busuu have brought us into a new age of language learning, making the entire process cheaper, less rigid than classroom learning, and almost universally accessible.

Mobile apps allow language learning on the go

Today, numerous apps focus on popular languages like Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi. Others specifically target languages with few native speakers left, like Anindilyakwa and Iwaidja from Australia, Chickasaw and Tuscarora in the US, and many tribal languages in Canada. However, in order for a language to flourish, new speakers must have opportunities to utilize that language in everyday life, and have the desire to pass on their knowledge to their children, creating a new generation of native speakers. Language learning apps are proven to increase the number of proficient speakers of these endangered languages, helping ignite a revitalization process of some of those most at risk. In 2014, there were 100,000 native Irish speakers; today, four million people have taken the Duolingo course.

History of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i

Hawaii faced a similar history of linguistic suppression and assimilation to that of the Native Americans. After a coup successfully overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the US government created a law prohibiting ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i from being spoken or taught in schools. This ban, in conjunction with the local population decline due to foreign disease, saw a dramatic reduction in the use of the native language. Although the exact number is debatable, a 2016 report by The State of Hawaii sites that 5.7% of the population (18,610 people) speaks ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i at home.

The new initiative

The language learning app Duolingo is spearheading the newest measure aimed at increasing the number of Hawaiian language learners worldwide. The revitalization movement of ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i has been underway for decades, but Duolingo’s new initiative hopes to attract visitors from around the world who are interested in The Aloha State’s unique culture. In the past, ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i courses were created for Drops, Mango and other language learning apps. Yet, with over 300 million users, Duolingo is the largest mobile app to feature Hawaiian. Nearly 20,000 people are already enrolled in Duolingo’s free Hawaiian language course, which launched on October 8, Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Hawaiian Language Course

The course was designed by a small group of fluent speakers who are dedicated advocates of the Hawaiian language revitalization movement. One of the specialists working on the project, Ekela Kaniaupio-Crozier, explained the goals behind the Hawaiian language course. “We’re looking at trying to get it out to a broader audience,” she said to Honolulu Civil Beat. “But we’re also hoping that local families – especially those with children in immersion education – will take advantage of the app and feel a little more confident in the language.”

Learning Hawaiian

Visitors will learn how to pronounce Hawaiian words and gain knowledge of the islands’ cultural heritage, further enriching their learning and travel experience. Existing residents can reconnect with their culture and ancestors through the same means, as ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i is crucial to the preservation of Hawaiian culture and local identity. These new, modern initiatives are re-energizing the Hawaiian language movement and sparking hope towards incorporating the language into everyday lives and eventually making a global impact.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article