Saturday, June 28, 2008

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