Proudly Supporting and Celebrating Pacific LanguagesKia orana koe Greetings to you Kia orana kōrua...
Transcript of Proudly Supporting and Celebrating Pacific LanguagesKia orana koe Greetings to you Kia orana kōrua...
Proudly Supporting and CelebratingPacific Languages
Talofa Lava | Kia Orāna | Mālō ē Lelei | Fakaalofa Lahi Atu Fakatalofa Atu | Bula Vinaka | Mālō Ni
#pacificstars
ISBN number 978-0-473-39251-2 March 2017
www.mpp.govt.nz
/ministryforpacificpeoples
@nzpacificstars
/ministryforpacificpeoples
#PacificLanguageWeeks
#PacificStars
We wish to thank and acknowledge all our Pacific language week committees for their guidance in interpretation and work to promote our Pacific Languages. Fa’afetai, Meitaki ma’ata, Mālo ‘aupito, Vinaka vakalevu, Fakafetai, Fakaaue lahi.
Gagana Sāmoa Sāmoan Language
Gagana Sāmoa | Sāmoan Language
Gagana Sāmoa (Sāmoan language) has five vaueli (vowels):
a, e, i, o, u
These vaueli have the same pronunciation as other Pacific languages, including te reo Māori (Māori language).
Vaueli can be short or long (the long vowel sound is indicated with a macron).
a, e, i, o, u (as in the English: are, there, three, or, two)
ā, ē, ī, ō, ū (as in the English: father, egg, feet, thought, loot)
It is important that the short and long vowel sounds are used, as they distinguish between different words – eg. ava (respect) verses āvā (wife).
Gagana Sāmoa has thirteen konesane (consonants):
f, g, l, m, n, p, s, t, v, h, k, r and [’] (glottal stop)
The consonants are pronounced like in English, except for the letter ‘g’. In Sāmoan, you need to put a ‘n’ sound in front of ‘g’ – making it a ‘nga’ sound, as in te reo Māori, or the ‘ng’ sound from the English word ‘song’.
KkKālena (Calendar)
RrRane (Frog)
Aa‘Apu (Apple)
Ee‘Elefane (Elephant)
IiIpu (Cup)
GgGāluega (Work)
LlLā’au (Tree)
MmMoa (Chicken)
FfFale (House)
Oo‘Ofu (Clothes)
Uu‘Ula (Necklace)
PpPa’a (Crab)
SsSāmani (Salmon)
NnNiu (Coconut)
TtTaimane (Diamond)
VvVa’alele (Plane)
HhHelikopa (Helicopter)
O Le Alafapeti/Pi Faitau | The Sāmoan Alphabet
A E I O U F G L M N P S T V H K R
Upu Fesoasoani | Helpful Words
Sāmoan English
Talofa lava Greetings/Hello
Tōfā Bye
Fa’afetai lava Thank you very much
‘O ā mai ‘oe? How are you?
Manuia fa’afetai Fine, thank you
E te alu i fea? Where are you going?
Ou te alu i le lotu I am going to church
E fia ou tausaga? How old are you?
O lo’u igoa My name is
Manuia lou aso Have great day
O ai? Who
O le a? What
O fea? Where
A fea? When
Aisea? Why
Sāmoan English
Fale House
Lotu Church
Faitau Read
A’oga School
Auala Road
Fale oloa Shop
Alofa Love
Fia fia Happy
Fa’anoanoa Sad
Gāluega Work/Job
Inu Drink
Fia inu Thirsty
Matua Parents
Tamā Father
Tina Mother
Upu Fesoasoani | Helpful Words
Sāmoan EnglishTautala i Lou Gagana Speak In Your Language
Afio mai Welcome
Ia manuia le afiafi Have a good evening
Ia manuia le pō Have a good night
Fa’amolemole Please
Fa’amalie atu Sorry
Tulou lava Excuse me
Ia manuia le malaga Bon voyage/Have a safe journey
Tōfā soifua Goodbye
Manuia le vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa
Happy Sāmoan Language week
O ai lou faiā’oga? Who is your teacher?
O le ā le igoa o lau āoga? What is the name of your school
O fea lou nu’u? Where is your village/suburb
Ua lava lea fa’afetai This is enough thank you
O le ‘ā fai le lotu Let’s say grace
O lō mātou fale Our house
Sāmoan EnglishLāei ma Lanu Clothes and Colours
Ofu Items of clothing
Mitiafu Singlet/T-shirt
Ofutino Shirt
Ofuvae Pants/Trousers
Iefaitaga Lavalava with pockets
Puletasi Traditional female garment
Tōgiga Uniform
Pa’epa’e White
Mūmū Red
Lanumeamata Green
Uliuli Black
Lanumoana Blue
Samasama Yellow
Lanumoli Orange
Ena’ena Brown
Te Reo Māori Kuki ‘Āirani Cook Islands Māori Language
Te Reo Māori Kuki ‘Āirani | Cook Islands Māori Language
There are a number of distinct dialects: Aitutaki; Ātiu, Ma’uke, and Miti’āro; Mangaia; Manihiki and Rakahanga; Rarotongan; and Tongareva. The Pukapuka language is also spoken in the Cook Islands.
There are five vouvera (vowels): a, e, i, o, uThese have the same pronunciation as other Pacific languages, including te reo Māori (NZ Māori language).
Vouvera can be short or long (the long vowel sound is indicated with a macron).
a, e, i, o, u (as in the English: are, there, three or two)
ā, ē, ī, ō, ū (as in the English: father, egg, feet, thought, loot)
It is important that the short and long vowel sounds are used, as they distinguish between different words – eg. marama (moon) and mārama (daylight).
Te reo Māori Kuki ‘Āirani has nine main consonants:
ng, k, m, n, p, r, t, v and [’] (glottal stop)
The Tongarevan alphabet has two additional consonants: s and h; the Manihiki and Rakahanga dialects also have a f and h. Pukapuka is a more distinctive language, having the letters l, w, and y in its alphabet.
The consonants are pronounced like in English. The ‘ng’ blend is like the ‘nga’ sound in te reo Māori, or the ‘ng’ sound from the English word ‘song’.
AaAnu (Cold)
Ee‘Ei (Garland of flowers)
Ii‘Īmene (Song)
KkKerekere (Black)
MmMa’ata (Big)
NnNira (Needle)
NgNgūtupa (Door)
OoOra kanga (Playtime)
Uu‘Ura (Dance)
RrRekareka (Happy)
TtTāne (Man)
PpPereue (Coat)
VvVai (Water)
Te Reo Māori Kuki ‘Āirani Au Reta Cook Islands Māori alphabet
A E I O UNG K M N P R T V [’]
Tuatua Purapura | Everyday Phrases
Kuki ‘Āirani English
‘Aē Yes/Ok
Kāre No
Meitaki Good
Pēnei aki? Perhaps/Maybe
Meitaki ‘ua au I am well
Meitaki mā’ataThank you very much/ Very good
Kia orana koe Greetings to you
Kia orana kōrua Greetings to you two
Kia orana kōtouGreetings to three or more people
Kia orana te ‘uipā’anga Greetings to the meeting
Kuki ‘Āirani English
Kia orana te au manu’iri Greetings to guests/visitors
E no’o rāGoodbye (to someone who is staying)
‘Aere rāGoodbye (to someone who is going) or safe travels
Inā ake ana ‘inē? Excuse me
Te ‘aere nei koe ki’ea? Where are you going?
Te ‘aere nei au ki te I am going to the...
Tomo mai Come in
‘Akarongo Listen
‘Akarongo mai ki āku Listen to me
Tuatua Purapura | Everyday Phrases
Kuki ‘Āirani English
Ko’ai tō’ou ingoa What is your name
No’ea mai tō’ou kōpū tangata?
Where is your family from?
Ko’ai tō’ou ingoa kōpū tangata?
What is your family name?
Ei mua! You can do it/Seize the day
Pākau Awesome
E tana ei That’s great
Mako rai Well done
Nāku ē tauturu I will help
Tei mua koe You’re the best
Kāre koe i te kanga You are great
Kuki ‘Āirani English
Tāmata’ia Give it a go
Ka rauka ‘iāku I can do it
Tuatua mai Speak to me
Mako Great
Kia Manuia Best wishes or good luck
‘Ea’a tō’ou nūmero terepōni?
What is your phone number?
‘Ea’a tēia ra? What day is it today?
Kia mataora tō’ou rā’ānau’anga
Happy Birthday
‘Ea’a te ora? What time is it?
Lea Faka Tonga Tongan Language
Lea Faka Tonga | Tongan Language
It is important that the short and long vowel sounds are used, as they distinguish between different words – e.g. kākā (to cheat) or kaka (to climb).
Fakau’a always comes before a vowel sound. This changes the vowel to a shorter, sharper sound. This also distinguishes between different words – e.g. anga (behaviour) and ‘anga (shark).
‘a, ‘e, ‘i, ‘o, ‘u (as in the English: ah ha, elephant, inn, orange, ooh la la)
‘ā, ‘ē, ‘ī, ‘ō, ‘ū
(as in the English: Amen, egg, easy, oh no, soup)
Lea faka-Tonga has twelve konisonānite (consonants):
f h k l m n ng p s t v and [’] fakau’a (glottal stop)
The consonants are pronounced like in English. The ‘ng’ blend is like the ‘nga’ sound in te reo Māori, or the ‘ng’ sound from the English word ‘song’. The Tongan language also uses fakamamafa he Lea Fiepipiki (stress marks). This mark at the end of a word tells us to make the vowel sound more exaggerated. For example, when we say the word Tonga’ it tells us to emphasise the ‘a’ sound at the end.
VvVaka (Canoe)
letter name: v(a)
[’]‘Umata (Rainbow)
letter name: fakau’a
Aa‘Apele (Apple)
letter name: a
Ee‘Elefānite (Elephant)
letter name: e
IiĪ (Fan)
letter name: i
HhHala (Road) letter name: h(a)
KkKahoa (Necklace)
letter name: k(a)
LlLetio (Radio)
letter name: l(a)
FfFale (House)
letter name: f(a)
OoOno (Six) letter name: o
UuUkamea (Iron)
letter name: u
NnNiu (Coconut)
letter name: n(a)
Ng/ngNgatu (Tapa) letter name: ng(a)
MmMango (Mango)
letter name: m(a)
PpPeleti (Plate) letter name: p(a)
SsSote (Shirt) letter name: s(a)
TtTamai (Father)
letter name: t(a)
‘Alafapeta Faka-Tonga | Tongan Alphabet
A E I O U F H K L M N NG P S T V [’]
Ngaahi Lea Faka’aho | Introductions
Loto’i Tonga | Tongan Values
Tongan EnglishKohai ho hingoa? What is your name?
Ko _____ hoku hingoa. My name is _____.
Kohai ho’o faiako? Who is your teacher?
Ko _____ ‘a ‘eku faiako My teacher is _____.
Ko ho’o ha’u mei fē? Where do you come from?
Tongan EnglishKo ‘eku ha’u me i _____. I come from _____.
Ha’u ‘o kai! Come and eat!
Tauō ‘o ‘eva! Let’s go for a walk!
Ko ho’o ‘alu ki fē? Where are you going?
Ko ‘eku ‘alu ‘o _____. I am going to _____.
Loto-‘ofa Kind-hearted
Loto-melino Peacefulness
Loto-poto Understanding
Loto-fiefia Gladness
Loto-faka’apa’apa Respectfulness
Loto-lelei Willingness
Loto-māfana Warm-hearted
Loto-lahi Bravery
Loto-faka’atu’i Consideration
Loto-tonunga Faithfulness
Loto-totonu Forthrightness
Loto-taha Modesty
Loto-hangamālie Calmness and confidence
Loto-tō Eagerness
Loto-fiemālie Contentedness
Loto-fakapotopoto Sensibility
Loto-fakakaukau/Fifili Thoughtfulness
Loto-faitotonu Honour and honesty
Loto-feinga/Tutui Perseverance and ambition
Loto-kataki/Ūkuma Patience
Loto-ma’a Cleanliness
Loto-to’a Courage
Poto’iloto Wisdom
Loto-hounga Gratefulness
Famili | Family
Ako | Education
Tongan English
Tamai Father
Fa’ē Mother
Foha Son
‘Ofefine Daughter
Tuonga’ane Brother
Tuofefine Sister
Tongan English
Kui Tangata Grandfather
Mokopuna Grandchild
Mehikitanga Paternal Auntie
Pēpē Baby
Talavou, Finemui Youth
Finemotu’a Women
Tongan English
Tangata’eiki Gentleman
Fine’eiki Lady
‘Ofa’anga Beloved
Kui Fefine Grandmother
Fa’e Tangata Maternal Uncle
‘Ulumotu’a Head of the Family
Kalasi Class
Faiako Teacher
Puleako Principal
Kaungāme’a Friends
‘Apiako School
Ako To learn, to teach
Poto fakapotopoto
Wisdom
Fakakoloa Enriching
Loki Room
Lautohi Reading
Tohi nima Writing
Pōtalanoa Conservation
Talanoa Speaking, talking
Fika Maths
Fakakaukau Thinking
‘Ilo Knowledge
Pōto’i Skillful
‘Aāti Art
Hierarchical VocabulariesThe Tongan language has several levels of vocabulary and usage that reflect hierarchical social structure. It is a mark of respect at all levels when
someone uses the correct vocabularies, whether in conversations or speaking to an audience with the presence of Commoners, Chiefs or King.
English Commoners (Tu’a/Kakai) Chief (Hou’eiki) King (Tu’i)
Hello Mālō ē lelei Mālō ē laumalie Mālō ē lakoifie
Welcome Mālō ē lava mai Mālō ē me’a mai Hā’ele ā
GoodbyeNofo ā (to those staying) ‘Alu ā (to those leaving)
Me’a ā Liuaki ā
Go ‘Alu Me’a Hā’ele
Eat Kai ‘Ilo Taumafa
Sleep Mohe Toka Tōfā
Yes ‘Io Koia/Ko ē Ko ē
Burial Tanu Tanu Teliō
Head Takale/‘Ulu Fofonga Langi
Hand Louhi’i/Nima To’ukupu To’ukupu
Feet Kaulihi/Va’e To’ukupu kelekele To’ukupu kelekele
Happy Fiefia Me’ite Hoifua
English Commoners (Tu’a/Kakai) Chief (Hou’eiki) King (Tu’i)
Thank you Mālō Fakafeta’i Fakafeta’i
Angry ‘Ita Tuputamaki Houhou
Immediate family Fāmili Fale Fale
Extended family Kāinga Kāinga/Fale Kainga/Fale
Son Foha ‘Alo tangata Fale’alo tangata
Daughter ‘Ofefine ‘Alo fefine Fale’alo fefine
Mum Fa’ē Fa’ē Fehuhu
Dad Tamai ‘Eiki ‘Eiki
Drink Inu ‘Ilo Taumafa
Tongán waist wear Ta’ovala ‘Aofivala ‘Aofivala
Speak Lea Me’a Folofola
Hierarchical Vocabularies
Te Gana Tuvalu Tuvalu Language
Te Gana Tuvalu | Tuvalu Language
Mataimanu ite gana Tuvalu | The Tuvalu Alphabet
Five vowels a, e, i, o, u Eleven consonants (including the diagraph ng) f, h, k, l, m, n, ng, p, s, t, v
Ff Gg Hh Kk Ll
fā gā hā kā Lā
fale gatu hau kitala Lami
Mm Gg Nn Pp Ss
mō gā nū pī sā
moe gatu nonu papa sopu
Tt Vv
tī vī
tusi vakalele
Each vowel has a long and a short duration and each consonant may be held or dwelt on in such a way as to give the succeeding vowel a slight explosive sound. Every word ends in a vowel.
• Short a sound: mata, eye, face. Both vowels sounded as “u” in “butter”
• Long a sound: fanau, offspring. a sounded as “a” in “father”
• Short e sound: pepe, butterfly, moth. Both vowels sounded as “e” in “bet”
• Long e sound: pefea, how. e sounded as “c” in “send”
• Short i sound: titi, woman’s kilt. Both vowels sounded as “i” in “tin”
• Long i sound: sili, to ask. i sounded as “i” in “litre”
• Short o sound: popo, copra. Both vowels sounded as “o” in “pot”
• Long o sound: po, night. o sounded as “o” in “north”
• Short u sound: tuku, put, give. Both vowels sounded as “u” in “pull”
• Long u sound: pula, shine. u sounded as “u” in “rule”
Aa Ee Ii Oo Uu
ā ē ī ō ū
ato epa ipu olesi utanu
Pati Fesoasoani Fakamalosi | Helpful Words
Tuvaluan English
Talofa Hello
Tofa Goodbye
Fakafetai Thank you
Fano Go
Nofo Sit
Moe Sleep
Kai Eat
Inu Drink
Ao Yes
Ikaai No
Ifea Where
Makona Full
Fia kai Hungry
Fia inu Thirsty
Au I
Fale House
Lotu Church
Faitau Read
Tuvaluan English
Akoga School
Alofa Love
Fiafia Happy
Fanoanoa Sad
Galue Work
Masaki Sick/Ill
Tamaliki Child/Children
Matua Mother/Parents
Tamana Father
TupunaGrandparents/Grandfather/Grandmother
Taina Sister
Tuagane Brother
Ava Respect
Lasi Big/Great
Onoono Look
‘Pono Close
Manatu Fakaasi | Expressions Fakamunaga | Phrases
Tuvaluan English
Sipi kana!‘Slang’ used when you want to say ‘awesome’ ‘choice’ ‘great’ etc
Oi tou fai!You are awesome/ the man/bomb
Kalofa la!To express your heartfelt/ empathy e.g. oh my dear, you poor thing etc.
Se fuagina! Beautiful and beyond
Koe ko ‘pisi/gali You are beautiful/pretty
Manuia te aso Have a good day
Tuvaluan English
Au se igoa fua kae gali au ia koe
I’m just a name and you beautifies it in your actions
Se ko pati ako faiga Action speaks louder than words
Puhi taku muna kau moeakiga
Doing things according to what you say
Fanau kote au pele a matuaChildren are dearly loved by their parents
Tou malosi ko tou maumea You reap what you sow
FetauiSee you later (popular way of saying Goodbye)
Tofa Goodbye
Manuia te aso fanau Happy Birthday
Lauga Numela Faka-Tuvalu | Tuvaluan Counting Numbers
1 2 3 4 5Tasi Lua Tolu Fā Lima
6 7 8 9 10Ono Fitu Valu Iva Sefulu
Vagahau Niue Niue Language
Vagahau Niue | Niue Language Fakaako He Tau Matatohi | Niue Alphabet
Eleven Konosonane | Consonants f, h, k, l, m, n, ng, p, s, t, v
Aa Ee Ii Oo Uu Ff Gg Hh Kk Ll
Mm Nn Pp Ss Tt
Vv
Fakaleo He Tau Kupu | Pronunciation GuideThis chart contains the sounds of the short vowels of Vagahau Niue.
Pronunciation Key
A, a pronounced ‘a’ as in car, far
E, e pronounced ‘e’ as in egg, enter
I, i pronounced ‘ee’ as in beet, sheet
O, o pronounced ‘o’ as in sore, sort
U, u pronounced ‘oo’ as in cool, pool
Five Vaoeli | Vowels a, e, i, o, u
Aa Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Kk Ll Mm Nn
Oo Pp Ss Tt Uu Vv
Tau Fakafeleveia | Greetings
Faka-Niue Broad Translation
Fakaalofa atu Hello/Hi there/Greetings
Fakaalofa lahi atu kia koeMuch greetings to you (to one person)
Fakaalofa atu kia mua Greetings to you both/two
Faka-Niue Broad Translation
Fakaalofa lahi atu kia muaMuch greetings to you both/two
Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mu-tolu oti
Much greetings to you all
Fakaalofa hofihofi atu Precious greetings to you
Tau Numela | Numbers
9Hiva
10Hogofulu
6Ono
7Fitu
8Valu
0Nakai
5Lima
1Taha
2Ua
3Tolu
4Fa
Saying Goodbye
Faka-Niue Broad Translation
Koe kiaGoodbye/Goodbye to you (To 1 person going or staying)
Mua kiaGoodbye to you two (To 2 people going or staying)
Mutolu kiaGoodbye to you all (To 3 or more people going or staying)
Nofo a koe kiaGoodbye to you (To 1 person staying)
Nonofo a mua kiaGoodbye to you two (To 2 people staying)
Faka-Niue Broad Translation
Nonofo a mutolu kiaGoodbye to you all (To 3 or more people staying)
Fano a koe kiaGoodbye to you (To 1 person going)
O a mua kiaGoodbye to you two (To 2 people going)
O a mutolu kiaGoodbye to you all (To 3 or more people going)
Vosa Vakaviti Fijian Language
Vosa Vakaviti | Fijian Language
Pronouncing Consonants:Most of the consonants are pronounced the same as they are in English, except for the letters b,c,d,g and q.
B – “mb” as in lumbar. Bula is pronounced “Mbu-la”
C – “th” as in father. “Yacata” is pronounced “Ya-tha-ta”
D – “nd” as in Sunday. Nadi is pronounce “Na-ndi”
G – “ng” as in finger. Gauna (time) is pronounced “Nga-una”
Q –“nq” as in finger. Qaravi (to serve) is pronounced “Nqa-ra-vi”
Note letters like k, p and t, are generally pronounced the same as they are in English, except there is not the sound of a slight breath that usually follows, so “t” would sound like “ch” when it is behind the letter “i.” Also, “j” is pronounced like the “ch” as in touch and “v” is pronounced with a short “ve” sound, like in vein.
Stress:In most cases, unless with long vowels, the stress tends to be on the NEXT to last syllable.
Examples: Ka u ta – bring, vi naka – thank you, good.
For long vowels, stress is applied whereiver it appears.
Examples: Ki-la, know, macawa – sky, week
Aa Ee Ii Oo Uu
There are five vaueli (vowels):
Consonants:
Vowels are mostly pronounced as if they were spoken in Spanish, Italian and German (as in ah or father, error, sit, toll, food or too).
Bb Cc Dd Ff Gg
Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn
Tt Uu Vv Ww Yy
Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss
Vosa Vakaviti | Phrases and Words
Fijian English
Ni sa bula vinaka Greetings
Bula Greetings to you
Drau bula Greetings to you two – dual
Dou bulaGreetings to three or more people – plural. Greetings to the meeting.
Ni sa bula vinaka Greetings to visitors/guests
Va cava tiko? How are you?
Au bulabula vinaka tiko I am well
Vinaka vaka levu Thank you very much/Very good
MoceGoodbye (to someone who is going) /Goodnight
Au lako mada yani Excuse me (to get past)
O lako ivei? Where are you going?
Curu mai Come in
Au lako tiko i... I am going to the...
Io/Sa donu Yes/Ok
Sega No
Encouraging Words
Fijian English
Vinaka Good
Totoka Awesome
Wananavu Great
Vinaka That’s greatWell doneYou are great
O rawa ni cakava You can do it/Seize the day
Tovolea mada Give it a go
Au na veivuke I will help
Keitou rawa ni cakava We can do it!
Au rawa ni cakava I can do it
Vosa mai vei au Speak to me
Vosa ni veikilai vakaviti Introductions – Questions and Answers
Fijian English
O cei na yacamu? What is your name?
Na yacaqu ko My name is...
Na tinaqu ko... My mother is...
Na tamaqu ko... My father is...
E lako mai vei na nomu matavuvale?
Where is your family from?
Keitou lako mai... We come from...
Na cava na yacamudou vaka matavuvale?
What is your family name?
Na yacai keitou vaka matavuvale na...
Our family name is...
Matavuvale | Family
Fijian English
Na, Nene, Nau Mum/Mother
Ta, Vava, Momo Dad/Father
Bu, Pu, Tai, Nau Grandmother
Tukai, Tua, Tai Grandfather
Marama Woman
Luvequ yalewa Girl/Daughter
Taciqu, ganequ Sister
Turaga Man
Tagane Boy or child
Ganequ Brother
Makubuqu Grandchild
Te Gagana Tokelau Tokelau Language
Te Gagana Tokelau | Tokelau Language
The Tokelau alafapeta (alphabet) is made up of fifteen mataituhi (letters). The letters of the alphabet are:
a, e, i, o, u, f, g, k, l, m, n, p, h, t, and vThere are five vaueli (vowels):
These vaueli have the same pronunciation as other Pacific languages, including te reo Māori (Māori language). Vaueli can be short or long (the long vowel sound is indicated with a macron).
a, e, i, o, u (as in the English: are, there, three or two)
ā, ē, ī, ō, ū (as in the English: father, egg, feet, thought, loot)
It is important that the short and long vowel sounds are used, as they distinguish between different words – e.g. mātua (mother) matua (to be a grown up).
Gagana Tokelau has ten konehane (consonants):
f, g, k, l, m, n, p, h, t, and vThe Gagana Tokelau: is much like in English, except that:
• ‘f’ is pronounced like ‘hw’ you make the ‘h’ sound at the back of your throat and then constrict the sound so that it becomes a ‘w’. As an example, fakalogo (to listen) sounds like ‘h-wa-ka-longo’
• ‘g’ is pronounced with a ‘n’ sound in front of ‘g’ – making it a ‘nga’ sound, as in te reo Māori, or the ‘ng’ sound from the English word ‘song’. As an example tagi (to cry) is pronounced ‘tangi’
• ‘h’ is pronounced like ‘hy’ in words such as hau (to come) which sounds like ‘hy-au’
The Tokelau Dictionary (1986) was published by the Office of Tokelau Affairs. It uses the following alphabetical order.
Tokelau and English words are provided below to support your teaching and learning.
AaAlofa
(Love)
EeEpaepa
(Small sleeping mat for an infant)
IiIka
(Fish)
GgGāluega (Work)
KkKālena
(Calendar)
LlLalaga
(Weaving)
FfFaimātua (Aunty)
OoOketopa
(October)
UuUluhina
(Male elders)
NnNiu
(Coconut tree)
PpPoto
(Knowledge)
MmMatau
(Fishing hook)
HhHiva
(Dance)
TtTuluma
(Wooden fishing box)
VvVaka
(Canoe)
Tokelau Alafapeta | Tokelau Alphabet
A E I O UF G K L M N P H T V
Na Tau O Na Mahina | Months of the Year (Traditional And Literal Translation)
Toe Palolo/Ianuali January
Mulifā/Fepuali February
Takaoga/Mati March
Uluaki Hiliga/Apelila April
Toe Hiliga/Me May
Uluaki Utua/Iuni June
Toe Utua/Iulai July
Vainoa/Aukuho August
Faka-Afu/Hetema September
Kaununu/Oketopa October
Oloāmanu/Novema November
Uluaki Palolo/Tehema December
Na Aho O Te Vaiaho | Days of the WeekAho Gafua
Monday
Aho Lua Tuesday
Aho Lulu Wednesday
Aho Tofi Thursday
Aho Falaile Friday
Aho Tōnai Saturday
Aho Hā Sunday
Tokelau English
Kai te manaia! Awesome
Te lelei ō koe Well done!
Te lelei ō koe Iohefo! Well done Iohefo!
Ko au e fehoahoani atu kia te koe
I will help you
Fakatakitaki ki ei Give it a go
Tokelau English
Io fakamolemole Yes please
Hēai fakafetai No thank you
Manuia te po Zion Goodnight Zion
Kā fai te tātou tatalo Let us pray
Kā uhu te tatou pehe Let’s sing our song
Tokelau English
Mālō ni Hello
E ā mai koe? How are you?
Ko au e mālohi, Fakafetai I am well, thank you
Tulou Excuse me
Ulu tonu mai Welcome
Tōfā Goodbye
Tokelau English
Fakafetai lahi lele Thank you very much
Ke manuia koe i te Alofa o te Atua
May you be blessed in God’s love
Ke fakamanuia e te Atua ia Tokelau
May God bless Tokelau
Kupu Fehoahoani | Helpful Words
Kupu Fakafeiloaki | Salutations
Na Kupu e Fakaaoga I Nā Aho Takitahi | Every Day Expressions