11.1 Revival of Hawaiian Language and Cultural Practices
2 min read•july 24, 2024
Hawaiian language faced near extinction by the 1980s, with fewer than 50 young native speakers. A grassroots revival movement sparked Pūnana Leo preschools in 1984, implementing Hawaiian-medium education through total immersion.
The Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance ignited protests against U.S. military use of Kahoolawe and land rights movements. Traditional arts and practices were revived, including , music, chant, tattoo, and kapa making. This awakening fostered renewed pride in Hawaiian identity and culture.
Hawaiian Language Revitalization
Revival of Hawaiian language
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Top images from around the web for Revival of Hawaiian language
Puunene School House | The Puʻunēnē School, also known as Pu… | Flickr View original
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International group meets at UH Hilo to discuss expansion of indigenous language immersion ... View original
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Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Nga Mokopuna | Full Immersion School… | Flickr View original
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Puunene School House | The Puʻunēnē School, also known as Pu… | Flickr View original
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- Hawaiian language declined to near extinction by 1980s with less than 50 native speakers under age 18
- Grassroots language revival movement sparked Pūnana Leo preschools in 1984 implementing Hawaiian-medium education through total immersion approach
- Kula Kaiapuni schools expanded K-12 Hawaiian language immersion program integrated into Hawaii public school system
- University-level Hawaiian language programs established at University of Hawaii at Hilo and Manoa
- Hawaiian language media proliferated through radio programs, newspapers, and television shows
- Community language classes and workshops offered to broader public
- Digital resources and apps developed for accessible language learning
Impact of Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance
- Political and cultural awakening ignited protests against U.S. military use of Kahoolawe and land rights movements
- Traditional arts and practices revived including hula resurgence, traditional music and chant, tattoo and kapa making
- Increased interest in Hawaiian history and genealogy sparked establishment of Hawaiian studies programs in schools and universities
- Growth of Hawaiian-focused organizations and institutions fostered renewed pride in Hawaiian identity and culture
- Environmental conservation efforts influenced by cultural values
- Tourism industry shifted towards more authentic cultural experiences
Key Organizations and Constitutional Recognition
Key figures in cultural preservation
- Hula revival championed by (established 1963) and kumu hula (Edith Kanaka'ole, Maiki Aiu Lake)
- Canoe building and voyaging advanced by Polynesian Voyaging Society founders (Ben Finney, Tommy Holmes, Herb Kane) and Hokule'a navigator Nainoa Thompson
- Traditional agriculture revitalized through taro cultivation (Onipa'a Na Hui Kalo) and Hawaiian Organic Farmers Association
- Cultural preservation organizations established (Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Bishop Museum)
- Influential individuals shaped movement (George Kanahele, Mary Kawena Pukui, Eddie Aikau)
Constitutional protection for Native Hawaiians
- 1978 Hawaii State Constitutional Convention recognized Hawaiian as official state language alongside English
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) established as semi-autonomous state agency to improve conditions of Native Hawaiians
- Traditional and customary rights protected including fishing, gathering, and access rights
- Hawaiian education mandated in public schools
- State's responsibility to protect Hawaiian cultural resources recognized
- Provisions for water rights and land use included protection of taro cultivation
- Native Hawaiian rehabilitation programs created
- Subsequent legislation and court decisions impacted (Hawaiian Homes Commission Act amendments, Public Land Trust revenue sharing)
Key Terms to Review (17)
Cultural Appropriation: Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking or using elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without understanding, respect, or acknowledgment of the original context. This practice can lead to the commodification and misrepresentation of cultural symbols and practices, particularly when dominant cultures appropriate from marginalized ones. In many cases, cultural appropriation can perpetuate stereotypes and exploit cultural significance, impacting the ways in which cultural revival efforts are perceived and engaged with.
Cultural Pride: Cultural pride is the deep appreciation and respect for one’s own cultural heritage, traditions, and identity. It fosters a sense of belonging and encourages individuals to celebrate their roots and share their culture with others, often leading to revitalization efforts aimed at preserving and promoting cultural practices that may have been marginalized or suppressed.
Decolonization: Decolonization is the process through which colonies gain independence from colonial powers, resulting in the restoration of sovereignty and self-determination for colonized nations. This process often involves reclaiming cultural identity and practices, which is crucial for societies that have been suppressed under colonial rule. In this context, decolonization is closely linked to the revival of native languages, cultural practices, and historical narratives that were marginalized or erased during colonization.
Hawaii International Film Festival: The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is an annual film festival that showcases films from Hawaii, the Asia-Pacific region, and around the world. It plays a significant role in promoting Hawaiian culture and language by providing a platform for filmmakers to present stories that reflect Hawaiian traditions and contemporary issues, thus contributing to the revival of Hawaiian language and cultural practices.
Hawaiian Immersion Schools: Hawaiian immersion schools are educational institutions that teach students primarily in the Hawaiian language, aiming to revitalize and preserve the language and culture of Hawaii. These schools provide a unique learning environment where students engage with Hawaiian history, customs, and practices, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and identity.
Hawaiian Renaissance: The Hawaiian Renaissance refers to a cultural revival that began in the late 20th century, focused on the resurgence of Hawaiian language, arts, and traditions as a response to the effects of colonization and cultural assimilation. This movement has led to a renewed pride in Hawaiian identity, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural practices, language, and historical awareness.
Hula: Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance form that combines rhythmic movement, chant, and music to convey stories, emotions, and cultural values. This art form is deeply rooted in Hawaiian oral traditions, embodying the history, spirituality, and identity of the Hawaiian people.
ʻaha pūnana leo: ʻaha pūnana leo refers to Hawaiian language immersion programs designed to promote the revitalization and preservation of the Hawaiian language and culture. These programs focus on educating young children in a fully immersive environment, using Hawaiian as the primary language of instruction while integrating cultural practices into the curriculum, making it a vital aspect of cultural revival efforts.
Kanaka maoli: Kanaka maoli refers to the indigenous people of Hawaii, their culture, and their connection to the land. This term embodies a deep sense of identity, history, and resilience, reflecting the struggles and revitalization efforts of Native Hawaiians in reclaiming their rights and heritage.
Kuleana: Kuleana refers to the sense of responsibility, ownership, and stewardship that individuals have towards their land, community, and cultural practices in Hawaiian society. This concept emphasizes the deep connection between people and their environment, encouraging sustainable use of resources and active participation in the welfare of the community.
Localization: Localization refers to the process of adapting and implementing cultural practices, languages, and traditions to fit a specific local context. This concept is crucial for preserving and revitalizing indigenous cultures by ensuring that practices are relevant and accessible to the local community. In Hawaiian culture, localization plays a vital role in the revival of the Hawaiian language and cultural practices, making them more meaningful and integrated into everyday life.
Malama ʻāina: Malama ʻāina translates to 'to care for the land' in Hawaiian and embodies the practice of sustainable stewardship and respect for the environment. It highlights the interconnectedness of the land, people, and resources, emphasizing the responsibility to protect and preserve the ʻāina (land) for future generations. This concept is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and is essential for maintaining balance within the ecosystem, directly linking to land division practices and the revival of language and cultural customs.
Merrie Monarch: The Merrie Monarch is an annual hula festival and competition held in Hilo, Hawaii, that celebrates and promotes Hawaiian culture, particularly through the art of hula. Established in 1964, it serves as a platform for the revival and preservation of Hawaiian language and cultural practices, showcasing traditional hula performances along with other cultural events. The festival is named after King David Kalākaua, known as the 'Merrie Monarch,' who was instrumental in reviving Hawaiian arts and culture during his reign in the late 19th century.
Merrie Monarch Festival: The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual cultural event held in Hilo, Hawaii, celebrating the Hawaiian tradition of hula and honoring King David Kalākaua, who was instrumental in the revival of Hawaiian culture. This week-long festival includes hula competitions, crafts fairs, and cultural workshops, showcasing the importance of language, arts, and traditions within Hawaiian culture.
Moʻolelo: Moʻolelo is a Hawaiian term that refers to stories, narratives, or histories that encompass traditional knowledge and cultural values. These stories are a vital way to pass down important lessons, historical events, and genealogies, creating a connection to Hawaiian identity and heritage. Moʻolelo serves not only as entertainment but also as a means to educate future generations about their culture and the environment.
Oli: Oli refers to the traditional Hawaiian chant that is an essential form of oral expression, conveying cultural, spiritual, and historical narratives. This art form serves as a way to preserve language and heritage, showcasing the deep connection between the community, their values, and their identity. Oli is often performed in various contexts, including ceremonies and celebrations, making it a vital aspect of cultural practices and language revival efforts in Hawaii.
Pūerto kaimana: Pūerto kaimana refers to the traditional Hawaiian practice of establishing and using sacred spaces for cultural and spiritual purposes, often associated with rituals, ceremonies, and communal gatherings. This practice underscores the importance of place and identity in Hawaiian culture, emphasizing a deep connection to the land and ancestral heritage. Through pūerto kaimana, Hawaiians revive their cultural practices and language, fostering a sense of community and continuity.