Language Information by Source

The teaching and learning of Hawaiian in mainstream educational contexts in Hawai‘i: Time for change?

The teaching and learning of Hawaiian in mainstream educational contexts in Hawai‘i: Time for change?

Severely Endangered
100 percent certain, based on the evidence available
500-1,000
Native Speakers Worldwide
Speaker Number Trends

Speaker Number Trend 5

A small percentage of the community speaks the language, and speaker numbers are decreasing very rapidly.

5
Domains of Use

Domain Of Use 4

Used mainly only in the home and/or with family, and may not be the primary language even in these domains for many community members.

4
Transmission

Transmission 4

Many of the grandparent generation speak the language, but younger people generally do not.

4

Speakers

Native or fluent speakers:
No results found.
Second-language speakers and learners
2,000-3,000
Semi-speakers or rememberers
No results found.
Children:
No results found.
Young adults
No results found.
Older adults
No results found.
Elders
No results found.
Ethnic or community population
No results found.
Year information was gathered
No results found.
Comments on speakers
"In 1978, the US-backed State of Hawai‘i convened a constitutional convention in which its constitution was amended to designate both Hawaiian and English as the official languages of that government entity. However, although there have been some significant gains in support since 1978, this endorsement has largely carried little meaning."

Location and Context

Countries
Hawaii, particularly Niʻihau and Kauai.
Location Description
No results found.
Government Support
Co-official language of State of Hawaii (with English)
Institutional Support
Numerous language immersion programs; support from University of Hawaii system
Speakers' Attitude
No results found.
Other Languages Used By The Community
English, Hawaiʻi Creole English ("Pidgin")
Number of Other Language Speakers:
Nearly all
Domains of Other Languages:
None

Writing Systems

Standard orthography:
No results found.
Writing system:
Roman-based
Other writing systems used:
No results text.
Comments on writing systems:
No results found.

Recent Resources

Language Revitalization, Education, and Learning

Language in the Community

Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu

Website for the Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu public charter school in Hawai'i, a lab immersion