Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera speaks about the importance of language development at the University of Guam’s Annual Regional Language Arts Conference.
Language is Essential
By
Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera
Early language begins at birth. Children gradually gain proficiency in language at different stages. These stages are critical to language development, and are inclusive of specific domains. These domains -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing -- are essential, because it allows us to communicate ideas from one person to another.
As we enter the technology age, communication can also be done using e-mail, discussion boards, blogs, Listserv, video conferencing, and more. In fact, I’m using this blog tool to communicate with you, so that I can share ideas dealing with language.
In particular, I’d like to focus on the languages spoken in the Asian Pacific region. Asian Pacific Americans represent many different ethnic groups, each with their own language and culture. More specifically, here are some ways to say "Hello" in the respective different languages and locations:
| LANGUAGE | WHERE THIS LANGUAGE IS OFFICIALLY SPOKEN | HELLO GREETING |
| Chamorro | Guam, Saipan, Rota, Tinian | Hafa Adai |
| Tagalog | Philippines | Kumusta |
| Pohnpein | Pohnpei | Kaselehlie |
| Chuukese | Chuuk | Ran Annim |
| Kosraean | Kosrae | Tuwoh |
| Yapese | Yap | Mogethin |
| Palauan | Palau | Alii |
| Majel | Marshall Islands | Yokwe |
| Hawaiian | Hawaii | Aloha |
| Japanese | Japan | Konnichiwa |
| Korean | Korea | Anyounghaseyo |
| Mandarin | China | Ni hao |
| Taiwanese | Taiwan | Pengan |
| Thai | Thailand | Sawatdee |
| Vietnamese | Vietnam | Xin chao |
| Malaysian | Malaysia | Helo |
| Indonesian | Indonesia | Halo |
| Hindi | India | Namaste |
