The Importance of Language

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