key term - Dr. Larry Kimura

Definition

Dr. Larry Kimura is a prominent Hawaiian linguist and advocate for the Hawaiian language revitalization movement. He has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of the Hawaiian language, emphasizing its critical role in maintaining cultural identity and heritage among Hawaiian people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dr. Larry Kimura played a vital role in the establishment of Hawaiian language immersion schools, which have been instrumental in teaching the language to younger generations.
2. He co-founded the Kula Kaiapuni program, which aims to provide education in Hawaiian for children from preschool through high school.
3. Kimura has worked extensively on developing educational resources and curriculum materials in Hawaiian, making the language more accessible to learners.
4. His efforts are part of a larger movement aimed at revitalizing and normalizing the use of Hawaiian in everyday life and public discourse.
5. Dr. Kimura's work highlights how language is intrinsically linked to cultural identity, reinforcing the importance of preserving the Hawaiian language as a way to maintain traditions and values.

Review Questions

• How did Dr. Larry Kimura's efforts contribute to the revitalization of the Hawaiian language?
  • Dr. Larry Kimura's contributions to the revitalization of the Hawaiian language include his involvement in establishing Hawaiian language immersion schools and developing educational resources that promote its use. By creating Kula Kaiapuni programs, he helped ensure that younger generations could learn and speak Hawaiian fluently, fostering a connection to their cultural identity. His work demonstrates how education plays a pivotal role in preserving endangered languages and cultures.
• Discuss the impact of Dr. Kimura's advocacy on educational policies related to the Hawaiian language in Hawaii.
  • Dr. Larry Kimura's advocacy has significantly influenced educational policies regarding the Hawaiian language by promoting immersion programs and emphasizing their importance in schools. His efforts helped change perceptions about bilingual education in Hawaii, leading to greater acceptance and support for teaching in Hawaiian. This shift in policy has created a more inclusive educational environment where both native and non-native speakers can learn about and appreciate Hawaiian culture through its language.
• Evaluate how Dr. Larry Kimura's work connects the Hawaiian language with broader themes of cultural preservation and identity among Native Hawaiians.
  • Dr. Larry Kimura's work connects the Hawaiian language with themes of cultural preservation and identity by illustrating how language serves as a vessel for cultural knowledge and traditions. By revitalizing the Hawaiian language, he enables Native Hawaiians to reclaim their heritage and strengthen their cultural identity. This relationship between language and identity emphasizes that preserving a language is not just about words but also about sustaining a unique worldview and community values for future generations.

Related terms

Hawaiian Language Immersion: An educational approach that integrates the Hawaiian language into the curriculum, allowing students to learn academic subjects through Hawaiian.

Kānaka Maoli: The Native Hawaiian people, recognized as the original inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands with a unique cultural identity.

Aloha ʻĀina: A Hawaiian concept meaning 'love of the land,' emphasizing the connection between the people, their language, culture, and the environment.