Posted by Lucas M. on October 30, 1998 at 17:03:19:
Hi Uncle Charlie,
Just read the other posting regarding the "old" & "new" version of the Hawaiian language.
As a brand new student of linguistics, I find it very fascinating as well as educational
to know that the missionaries changed the language. But if the older people speak the old,
how did this new, younger generation learn the missionary style or "new" version at Punana
Leo schools, when I thought that some of the teachers were not only native speakers, but also
one (or possibly more) were from Ni'ihau?
Also, could you point out some examples of what the old and new are like? And what about that
committee of native speakers who coin new words all the time? I would really like to learn
how this change came about, if you don't mind telling me.
Thank you,
Lucas