Language of Niuea

The language that I chose to report on is Niuean. Niuea is an island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga. Niuea was settled by migrating Tongans, Samoans, and Cook islanders and evolved into a unique culture and language (Talagi-Hekesi). There are 1,492 people that live in Niuea with 28% of the population that actually speak the language. Niuean contains two main dialects, Mutu (Northern part of Niuea) and Fafiti (Southern part). The words mean the people of the island and strangers (http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Niuean_language_-_Dialects/id/5337100).

Some books that pertain to Niuea:

                                                

 Niuea: A History of the Island by Maihetoe Hekaua et al

                                    And

Musings on Niuea by Larry Thomas

           

            The number system that Niueans have is similar to Spanish with words borrowed from Samoan, Tongan, and other islands (Ono, Fitu, Valu, Hiva, Hogofulu: 6,7,8,9,10; Hogofulu ma ono, Hogofulu ma fitu, Hogufulu ma valu, Hogofulu ma hiva:16, 17, 18, 19, 20). Similar to Spanish where the 10 (deiz or in Niuean, Hogofulu) is put before a single digit number to create a double digit number (16 in Spanish is: deiciseis; in Niuean: Hogofulu ma ono).

            Although there is a very small population in Niuea, the language is still alive and is being taught in schools. 

            

            Another interesting fact about Niuean society is the way they look towards a clan based society where a monarch runs a democracy instead of its neighbors having a hierarchy priests or chiefs.(Talagi-Hekesi).

Work Cited

 

Talagi-Hekesi, Ida (2005). Niuean history & people. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from Niueisland Web site: http://www.niueisland.com/history/

 

http://www.learnniue.com/vagahau/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

 

http://mapsget.com/niue.shtml

 

Image taken from:

 

Carl Walrond. 'Niueans', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 21-Sep-2007
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/NewZealanders/NewZealandPeoples/Niueans/en