Reduplication in Pacific languages: An interesting and complex linguistic feature
Reduplication is a linguistic feature that plays a significant role in many languages around the world, including languages in the Pacific region. This process involves the repetition of all or part of a word, creating new forms that convey distinct meanings, nuances, or grammatical functions. Across the Pacific languages, reduplication takes on diverse forms and functions. Reduplication has various linguistic purposes, such as indicating plurality, intensification, duration, and even change in verb aspect. Here are a range of examples in the following table:
Reduplication in Pacific languages often goes beyond its grammatical and lexical functions, reflecting cultural values and perspectives. In many cases, reduplication contributes to the rhythmic flow and poetic beauty of oral traditions, such as chants, songs, and stories. These linguistic creations play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage across generations. Moreover, reduplication can serve as a marker of linguistic identity, connecting speakers to their roots and local communities.
Reduplication offers insights into the richness and diversity of these languages, revealing connections between language, culture, and identity. If you are interested in understanding more about languages and linguistic features of Pacific languages, two informative books are:
Lynch, J. (1998). Pacific languages: An introduction. University of Hawai'i Press. Lynch, J., Ross, M., & Crowley, T. (2001). The oceanic languages. Curzon. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203820384
Pasifika Speech Competition in Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Kia Orana, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bula vinaka, Namaste, Mālo ni, Halo Olaketa, Mauri, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Tālofa lava, Noa‘ia, Kia ora koutou and Greetings. In Ōtautahi, Christchurch sPacifically Pacific, known as SPACPAC, has been working to support Pasifika students in Waitaha, Canterbury since 2000. It consists of six key events: Careers Expo, Polyfest, Leaders’ Breakfast, BizNinja Challenge (Pacific Dragon’s Den), Supreme Awards, and the Pasifika Speech Competition. These events are distributed throughout the school year from Term 1 to 3.
The Pasifika Speech competition brings together Pasifika students from across Ōtautahi and sometimes from further in Waitaha and Te Waipounamu. Over the past 20 years, the range of Pasifika languages represented in the competition has increased. This year languages were Gagana Sāmoa, Lea Faka-Tonga, Kūki ‘Āirani, Vosa Vakaviti, I-Kiribati and English. The competition this year was held at Te Aratai College in Ōtautahi on the 24th of August.
When this competition began twenty years ago, there was Gagana Sāmoa, but now all Pasifika languages are welcomed if students want to compete. Students are divided into junior and senior categories with juniors having to speak for two minutes and seniors for three to four minutes. Judges are recruited from schools and community. The competition is an important contribution to maintaining and growing Pasifika languages in New Zealand. It often provides opportunities for Pasifika child/students, parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunties, and uncles to discuss their Pasifika languages and cultures at home.
If your region is interested in coordinating a similar competition, please contact me at angela.bland@auckland.ac.nz so that we can talk about the possibilities. In addition, if you would like to support a Pasifika speech celebration in your own school, I am also happy to support.
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2023 - Pasifika - Term 3 Newsletter Articles
Reduplication in Pacific languages: An interesting and complex linguistic feature
Reduplication is a linguistic feature that plays a significant role in many languages around the world, including languages in the Pacific region. This process involves the repetition of all or part of a word, creating new forms that convey distinct meanings, nuances, or grammatical functions. Across the Pacific languages, reduplication takes on diverse forms and functions. Reduplication has various linguistic purposes, such as indicating plurality, intensification, duration, and even change in verb aspect. Here are a range of examples in the following table:
Reduplication in Pacific languages often goes beyond its grammatical and lexical functions, reflecting cultural values and perspectives. In many cases, reduplication contributes to the rhythmic flow and poetic beauty of oral traditions, such as chants, songs, and stories. These linguistic creations play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage across generations. Moreover, reduplication can serve as a marker of linguistic identity, connecting speakers to their roots and local communities.
Reduplication offers insights into the richness and diversity of these languages, revealing connections between language, culture, and identity. If you are interested in understanding more about languages and linguistic features of Pacific languages, two informative books are:
Lynch, J. (1998). Pacific languages: An introduction. University of Hawai'i Press. Lynch, J., Ross, M., & Crowley, T. (2001). The oceanic languages. Curzon. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203820384
Pasifika Speech Competition in Ōtautahi, Christchurch
Kia Orana, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bula vinaka, Namaste, Mālo ni, Halo Olaketa, Mauri, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Tālofa lava, Noa‘ia, Kia ora koutou and Greetings. In Ōtautahi, Christchurch sPacifically Pacific, known as SPACPAC, has been working to support Pasifika students in Waitaha, Canterbury since 2000. It consists of six key events: Careers Expo, Polyfest, Leaders’ Breakfast, BizNinja Challenge (Pacific Dragon’s Den), Supreme Awards, and the Pasifika Speech Competition. These events are distributed throughout the school year from Term 1 to 3.
The Pasifika Speech competition brings together Pasifika students from across Ōtautahi and sometimes from further in Waitaha and Te Waipounamu. Over the past 20 years, the range of Pasifika languages represented in the competition has increased. This year languages were Gagana Sāmoa, Lea Faka-Tonga, Kūki ‘Āirani, Vosa Vakaviti, I-Kiribati and English. The competition this year was held at Te Aratai College in Ōtautahi on the 24th of August.
When this competition began twenty years ago, there was Gagana Sāmoa, but now all Pasifika languages are welcomed if students want to compete. Students are divided into junior and senior categories with juniors having to speak for two minutes and seniors for three to four minutes. Judges are recruited from schools and community. The competition is an important contribution to maintaining and growing Pasifika languages in New Zealand. It often provides opportunities for Pasifika child/students, parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunties, and uncles to discuss their Pasifika languages and cultures at home.
If your region is interested in coordinating a similar competition, please contact me at angela.bland@auckland.ac.nz so that we can talk about the possibilities. In addition, if you would like to support a Pasifika speech celebration in your own school, I am also happy to support.
