Monday, May 6, 2024, 9:01 AM
Site: Niuolahiki Online Learning
Course: Niuolahiki Online Learning (Niuolahiki Online Learning)
Glossary: Niuolahiki Testimonials

ʻʻThe classes are

stimulating. I especially appreciate the clarity of the speakers. I am hearing impaired but I have no problems understanding the spoken words. The speakers are very articulate in their enunciation of each word.” -Niuolahiki Self-directed Student

ʻʻI was raised

during the time when the language was not taught in the home. My mother spoke the language fluently and my tūtū guys spoke no English. How can it be that we were never taught the language of our ancestors? The answer to that question is, “because it was a time when to speak Hawaiian was frowned on and not encouraged.” We all know that era and many of us who grew up during that time are now seeking to learn the language. This course is giving us the chance we never had. It is filling that void that we had no say in as we grew up. I thank ʻAha Pūnana Leo for stepping up and creating this language course. So many more of us will now learn to speak the Hawaiian language and have that much more of a chance to teach our future generations. And yes, the Hawaiian language will live on for generations to come.” -Māwae C., Niuolahiki Self-directed Student

ʻʻThis program for

online learning is important. These are hard working teachers who are dedicated to spreading the knowledge of learning the Hawaiian Language. They are passionate about their role in teaching. They are a wealth of knowledge, cultural and tradition. What better way to learn this beautiful language? The importance of their message should be shared with everyone. There is no way that I could fulfill my dream without them.” -Pat G., Cape May, NJ., Niuolahiki Self-directed Student

ʻʻI am so excited

to start this online program that I just signed up for. My ʻohana and I currently live in a small northern California town and we don’t have the option to take a Hawaiian language class, dance or anything to do with our culture. We would have to drive about 75 miles to attend any kind of Hawaiian event. We are so grateful for the online Hawaiian language class. It allows my boys and I to learn together without having to drive miles away which would take time away from the rest of my ʻohana. I grew up learning certain Hawaiian phrases and words but because we traveled the world the language was lost. Majority of my ʻohana in the islands are pretty fluent so it is a blessing that we are able to learn our native language from home. Mahalo Nui!” -Leilani E., Oroville, CA., Niuolahiki Self-directed Student

ʻʻI have learned

so much by participating in this distance learning program. I travel a lot for work, and I can take my lessons with me in the hotel!” -Niuolahiki Teacher-directed Student

“The Niuolahiki online

Hawaiian language program has been the seed for a journey covering far more ground than I ever anticipated when I first enrolled. Studying the Hawaiian language was, and still is, an integral facet in the rediscovery of my Hawaiian ‘ohana, in comprehending the influence of Hawaiian culture on my upbringing, and exploring my spirituality. The rewards of participating in Niuolahiki have far exceeded my initial expectations.” -Kimo W., Waynesville, NC., Niuolahiki Teacher-directed Student

ʻʻI have experienced

the deep aloha my online kumu (and all connected with the program) have for the ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and culture through their desire and willingness to share so much with me. They give me the confidence and tools to continue and know that I definitely can accomplish my goal through my Niuolahiki online class.” -Likolani T., Everett, WA., Niuolahiki Teacher-directed Student

ʻʻAny type of

correspondence or online class takes dedication and a strong desire to learn on the part of the student. I believe this is especially true in learning a language by a method outside the classroom. However, the truly important other half of a course is the kumu who teaches it. My kumu for the Niuolahiki online Hawaiian language program have been extremely supportive and encouraging, answering all of my questions and providing extra resource material for me to study - even taking time out of their busy schedules to correct extra assignments I create for myself. -Likolani T., Everett, WA., Niuolahiki Teacher-directed Student

ʻʻThis program has

allowed me to learn Hawaiian properly and quickly because it ties the language to the culture and Hawaiian point of view. The classes are the next best thing to being there in Hilo, because of the inventive methods used. Their creative approach, using voice files and telecommunication, has let me speak Hawaiian with people from Germany to Japan and around the U.S., improving my conversational skills as well as making friends. The teachers understand the challenges and are always very encouraging. I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate.” -Kalā W., Hamden, CT., Niuolahiki Teacher-directed Student

ʻʻStudying a language

alone is very challenging and a lack of learning materials for Hawaiian means that it is easy to soon give up. The distance learning program is much more than an online textbook with writing and listening exercises. It is the ideal situation of a living community of teachers and classmates who help push each other along in learning Hawaiian. If you soon give up or think you will never learn the language, give this community a try! I am here to stay!” -ʻAnalū C., Fukuoka, Japan, Niuolahiki Teacher-directed Student