February is Hawaiian Language Month!

Did you know February is Hawaiian Language Month? The Hawaii State Teachers Association Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Committee has generously put together an introduction to ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to celebrate Hawaiian Language Month.

Courtesy of HCR Committee:

“From common greetings to place names and street signs, we are surrounded by the Hawaiian language. Whether you were born or raised here or moved to the islands recently, having a foundational knowledge of the Hawaiian language connects us to our environment and culture.

It is our responsibility as educators to ensure our keiki have the foundational knowledge of the language of this land. This is an introduction to give you a basic understanding of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and its importance to the place we call home.

In honor of Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month), the Hawaii State Teachers Association Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Committee compiled a series of lessons to provide you with basic language building blocks. During the first week, we’ll introduce you to the Hawaiian alphabet, syllables, diacritics, and pronunciation, as well as key values in Hawaiian culture. In the second week, we’ll cover words related to school and learning. The third week will address words commonly found in nature. We’ll end the month with land divisions and features.”

For more information and to start learning, click here!

Hawaiian Wordle

Plus, have you heard of Wordle? There is a Hawaiian version of the game! If you want to try it out, click here or you can learn more here.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Allen | Hawaii Magazine

“Word on the Street” Campaign

Located on Oahu and want to get involved? Consider participating in the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts’ “Word on the Street” campaign. The goal is “to identify street signs that should be updated with proper Hawaiian spelling, in recognition of Hawaiian Language Month.” (Honolulu Magazine). To learn more, click here.