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Hawaiian Pidgin
A majority of citizens in Hawai?i currently speak what many linguists refer to as Hawaiian Creole English (HCE). In 1778, Europeans discovered the islands of Hawai?i and the 19th century saw a great increase in immigrations from neighboring countries and a Pidgin form of English developed, consisting of varying degrees of English comprehension along with elements of the native Hawaiians' language. By the early 20th century, a Creole English developed. A Creole language is typically considered to be a language derived from Pidgin speakers passing their language to the next generation. As the next generation acquires the pidgin language it becomes solidified and standardized. One interesting trait of the HCE is that it managed to preserve many terms from the original Hawaiian language, even after most natives had died due to a variety of diseases. In Hawai?i, modern speakers are likely to include smatterings of Hawaiian words without having those words being considered archaic. Here are some examples of Hawaiian words which are still commonly in use today:
Aloha: this word is generally a courteous greeting; it can have a variety of meanings including connotations of love, affections, kindness, well wishing, and can be used for hello and goodbye. Mahalo: similar to aloha, this word can have many meanings and is generally a showing of gratitude. Typically, it is the equivalent of saying thank you. This word is frequently used after a business interaction is completed. Keiki: this word is a term for a young child, normally one who has not reached the age of reason. Frequently signs will be posted on lawns reading "Keiki at Play", meaning drive slow, children are playing. Haole: This is the Hawaiian word used to refer to Caucasians or foreigners in general. The term suggests classification but is not necessarily derogatory. A person who has one Caucasian parent and one Pacific Islander parent will commonly be referred to as a "Hapa-Haole" (hapa meaning 'half').
Most streets, cities, and towns in Hawai?i are named after words from the native language. For example, the large town on Maui called Lahaina is taken from a Hawaiian phrase meaning "Unmerciful Sun." The first large shopping center was built on Honolulu and named "Ala Moana" (ala=path to, moana=ocean). Also, the names native Hawaiians gave to indigenous wildlife remained the same after foreign influences came to the island. For example, tuna fish are commonly referred to by their Hawaiian name "ahi." Also, many Hawaiian words have found their way into the mainstream American lexicon, such as:
Hula: dance involving gyration of hips Lu?au: festive gathering featuring food and dance Lei: necklace made of flowers strung together Mu?umu?u: large flowing dress Tiki: image of a deity carved from wood
The HCE as it is generally spoken employs a very lax usage of English grammar. Aspects of language such as articles, prepositions, and proper nouns are frequently dropped if their meaning is understood. For example, instead of saying "It is hot today, isn't it?" an HCE speaker is likely to say simply "Hot, yeah?" HCE speakers also frequently will use English words while changing the meaning and intent of the words. For example, the terms "auntie" and "uncle" can be used to refer to any adult who is a friend or a friend to the family. This terminology creates a very personal sense of community. HCE speakers also have acquired a form of slang in their common speech. There are many phrases used on a daily basis that appear to be original and yet are in some ways derived from English phrases, such as:
Brah: this is a shortening of "Brother" but can refer to any friend or acquaintance. Broke da mout: this literally means "broke the mouth" and is said to imply that a food someone cooked is delicious. Choke: this is used to suggest that there is more than enough of something. Da Kine: this literally means "the kind" but is used as a substitute for a noun when the noun cannot be remembered. For example, a person can point to a cucumber on a table and say "Pass me da kine." Grind: this means to eat a large amount of food quickly. I K sufa: it is hard to translate this term literally, but it essentially is used to empathize with another's misfortune. Lickins: this literally means "lickings" and is used to imply punishment such as spanking to a child. Mo bettah: this essentially means that one thing is better in comparison to something else. Pidgin to da max: this phrase is used to refer to a person who has a very limited understanding of proper English pronunciation and grammar.
Oftentimes tourists, or "haoles", will see HCE speakers as people of lower intelligence. The contrary can be argued; considering how Hawai?i has very little in terms of industry (most of its exports are agricultural), the HCE is sufficient for their needs. The population of Hawai?i is growing, Honolulu in particular is becoming more urbanized, and there are some who speculate Hawai?i will become a technopolis in the near future. If this were to happen, it is then possible for the HCE to be deemed insufficient.
Throughout the surfing boom in Hawaii, HCE has influenced surfing slang. Many HCE words such as Brah, and Da kine have found their way to other places. The usage of "da" instead of "the" is common amongst surfers worldwide.
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