key term - Hawaiian Language Bible

Definition

The Hawaiian Language Bible refers to the first complete translation of the Christian Bible into the Hawaiian language, completed in 1838. This translation played a crucial role in both religious and cultural contexts, as it helped promote literacy among Hawaiians and preserve the Hawaiian language during a time of significant change brought about by Christian missionaries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The translation of the Hawaiian Language Bible was done by Christian missionaries, including Hiram Bingham and William Ellis, who aimed to make religious texts accessible to native Hawaiians.
2. This Bible became an essential tool for teaching reading and writing in Hawaiian, contributing to increased literacy rates among Hawaiians during the 19th century.
3. The Hawaiian Language Bible was printed in both Hawaiian and English, allowing for bilingual education and communication between missionaries and the local population.
4. The publication of the Bible is seen as a pivotal moment in the preservation of the Hawaiian language, as it provided a written form that helped standardize spelling and grammar.
5. Although it was created with missionary intent, the Hawaiian Language Bible has since been recognized for its cultural significance, acting as a historical document reflecting Hawaii's transition during Western contact.

Review Questions

• How did the Hawaiian Language Bible contribute to literacy among native Hawaiians in the 19th century?
  • The Hawaiian Language Bible significantly contributed to literacy among native Hawaiians by providing a written text that could be used for education. Missionaries incorporated the Bible into their teaching materials, which helped Hawaiians learn to read and write in their own language. This effort not only promoted literacy but also reinforced cultural identity by emphasizing the importance of the Hawaiian language during a time of change.
• What role did Christian missionaries play in the creation of the Hawaiian Language Bible, and how did their motivations influence its content?
  • Christian missionaries were instrumental in translating and publishing the Hawaiian Language Bible, driven by their desire to spread Christianity among native Hawaiians. Their motivations influenced its content by focusing on Christian teachings while also incorporating elements that made it accessible to the local population. This blend of religious instruction and language preservation shaped how Hawaiians engaged with both Christianity and their cultural heritage.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Hawaiian Language Bible on Hawaiian culture and language preservation efforts today.
  • The long-term impacts of the Hawaiian Language Bible are profound, as it laid a foundation for future efforts in language preservation and cultural revitalization. It established a written form of Hawaiian that became essential for educational resources, contributing to the resurgence of interest in the language during the Hawaiian Renaissance. Today, this historical document serves not only as a spiritual text but also as a symbol of resilience for Hawaiians striving to reclaim their language and cultural identity amid ongoing challenges from globalization and colonization.

Related terms

Christian Missionaries:

Individuals who traveled to Hawaii in the early 19th century with the goal of spreading Christianity and establishing schools to educate the local population.

Hawaiian Renaissance:

A cultural revival that began in the late 20th century focused on restoring and promoting Hawaiian language, culture, and identity.

Pukui and Elbert Dictionary: A comprehensive dictionary of the Hawaiian language created by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert, which served as a significant resource for understanding and preserving the language.