Later, in the 19th century, two forms of pidgin coexisted-one based on the Hawaiian language, which is what was first used on the sugarcane plantations, and one based on English, which began to thrive after the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 and English became the dominant language of the islands.īut pidgin is much more than its vocabulary, said former Hawai‘i Governor John D. The panel’s moderator, Noe Tanigawa, arts and culture reporter for Hawai‘i Public Radio, began the evening by asking the four panelists about the language’s history.Ĭalifornia-based sociolinguist and scholar of American pidgins Sarah Roberts explained that while the language really took off at the same time as the sugar plantations-around 1877-the first written evidence of the language that she has come across was a text from 1791. Inouye Institute “Talk Story” event titled “ Will Pidgin Survive the 21st Century?” which took place before an overflow crowd at Artistry Honolulu in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The history, modern-day usage, and future of Hawaiian pidgin was the topic of discussion for a Zócalo/Daniel K. Recently, some vocabulary- hammajang, for example-has been entered into the Oxford English Dictionary. First used in the mid-19th century by the sugarcane laborers who spoke Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and English and needed a way to communicate with one another, today, the language is common across the islands of Hawai‘i.

Also a term used when referring to cooked taro leaves.The origins of the Hawaiian pidgin language reflect the history and diversity of the islands. Luau: a traditional Hawaiian party or feast typically accompanied by entertainment. Queen Street: Oahu café located between Honolulu and Pearl City, known for the best tuna poke’ Moana Street: translates to “ocean.” The name of a street in the north east coastal town of Laie where the Kekauoha family hails from, and where Uncle’s was born! Hau’ula: town of the north east coast of Oahu, where Chef Kaimana hails from! Uala: Hawaiian word for purple sweet potato Huli Huli: Hawaiian “turn turn” referring to rotisserie cooking technique Kalbi: Korean style cross cut barbequed short ribs Kiawe: Hawaiian version of mesquite wood, imparts a smoky flavor Kalua: traditional Hawaiian cooking method that utilizes an imu, a type of underground oven, often mimicked today using modern cooking techniques Lomi: typically spoken as lomi lomi, Hawaiian word meaning “to massage” in reference to the salmon preparation Shoyu: Hawaiian term for “ Japanese soy sauce” Katsu: a Japanese style preparation of seasoned protein dredged in flour and sweet wine eggwash, then breaded and fried-Kalua Ahi: larger species of tuna from the yellowfin or bigeye families Poke’: Specifically the hawaiian verb for “section” of “cube,” typically meaning raw seafood, especially ahi tuna Wahine & Kāne: Hawaiian words for, respectively, “women” and “men” Food Menu Terms Shaka: classically hawaiian hand gesture of extended thumb and pinkie, which generally symbolizes the “aloha spirit,” started by Hamana Kalili of Laie Locals wear them to celebrate special occasions of all sorts Lei: A necklace made of flowers, shells, leaves, or kukui nuts. Pau: Hawaiian word for “done” or “finished” Lanai: Hawaiian word for “outdoor patio or balcony” Howzit: a common, informal Hawaiian greeting meaning “How are you?” Used often in conjunction with “braddah,” which is a colloquial term for “brother” or “friend.” Heard most frequently in the phrase, “Mahalo for your kokua” (thank you for your assistance) Kokua: Hawaiian word for Help or support. Ho’ike: a cultural presentation to show or display Hawaiian music, hula and song Haole: Translates to “without the breath of life.” Traditionally means foreigner, but often refers to a person of Caucasian ancestry. Used to describe native born and any long-term resident of the Hawaiian islands, regardless of racial background Kama’aina: Literally, child of the land. Tutu: Hawaiian word for Grandma or Grandpa ‘Ohana: Family, but used beyond blood relations to express love and commitment within communities ‘Ono: Hawaiian word for “delicious,” Used most often in combination with “grindz” Aloha Spirit: a philosophy or way of being in Hawaii, more specifically the feeling of gratitude, friendship, understanding, and solidarity Used as a greeting or parting, but also means affection, kindness and goodness Aloha: specifically the Hawaiian word for “love,” aloha is a catch-all word of good intentions and feelings. Grindz: delicious food, as in at a party or a favorite food establishment Uncle/Aunty: how locals refer to elders, regardless of familial connection

Pidgin english hawaiian