The Kānaka Maoli, the Indigenous people of Hawaii, have fought to reclaim their language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, after centuries of colonization nearly silenced it. In the 1820s, Protestant missionaries introduced a written form of Hawaiian using the Latin alphabet, creating a simple yet profound system with just 13 characters. Words like *Aloha*, which means love, peace, and respect, reflect not just language but a way of life deeply connected to the land and its people.

Colonial policies, including a ban on teaching Hawaiian in schools after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, led to a dramatic decline in speakers. By the mid-20th century, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was at risk of extinction. But starting in the 1970s, the Hawaiian Renaissance ignited a cultural and linguistic revival. Immersion schools, media programs, and community efforts brought the language back to life, turning it into a symbol of resilience and identity.

Today, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi is more than a language—it’s a living connection to the history, culture, and spirit of the Hawaiian people. Efforts to protect and expand its use ensure that the voice of the Kānaka Maoli will continue to thrive for generations.

#hawaiianlanguage #hawaiianhistory #indigenouslanguages

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