The Revival of Hawaiian: Speak Hawaiian or Speak in English?

Introduction

The question often arises, 'How many speak Hawaiian in Hawaii?' However, the term 'Hawaiian' is not a language but 'ōlelo Hawai'i. A better inquiry would be, 'How many native Hawaiians speak Hawaiian?' This article delves into the revival and current status of the Hawaiian language and the challenges it faces.

The Ban on Hawaiian and Its Revival

From the late 19th to the late 20th century, the Hawaiian language faced severe restrictions. American policies enforced the use of English in schools, often resorting to harsh punishments, such as physical beatings, for students who spoke Hawaiian. These policies were not only oppressive but illegal and a violation of human rights.

Efforts to end this ban have been ongoing since the 1980s. Today, there have been significant strides in language revitalization. People, like myself, have grown up speaking Hawaiian despite its past bans. Though the language is not widely spoken in its native form, immersion programs such as those at Nawahi and Ka Umeke have helped preserve and promote Hawaiian.

Current Status of Hawaiian Speakers

It is a small percentage of the population that speaks Hawaiian today. While there are schools focused on Hawaiian immersion, only a few children grow up speaking it as their first language. Most people understand a range of Hawaiian vocabulary but do not use the language in daily conversation.

The revival has not been as successful as initially hoped. Forty years ago, the goal of Hawaiian language activists was to make Hawaiian the primary language of Hawaii. However, despite efforts, only a few groups continue to speak it as their first language, with almost no single conversation in Hawaiian observed during personal visits to Hawaii. Government support for Hawaiian language initiatives has waned, and English remains the de facto lingua franca.

Conclusion

The struggle to preserve and revive the Hawaiian language is ongoing. While there are pockets of bilingualism and immersion programs, the majority of the population uses English in their daily lives. The language remains a symbol of cultural heritage and identity, but it faces significant challenges in becoming a mainstream part of Hawaii's linguistic landscape.

Our journey to revitalize Hawaiian is a story of perseverance and cultural resilience. Despite setbacks, the community continues to work towards greater recognition and use of the language, ensuring a brighter future for Hawaiian.