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moorea944 Member Posts: 148 |
posted 07-10-2003 06:33 AM
 
this website that i found shows you alittle something on the tahitian lang. there are 11 lessons from greetings to introductions to numbers to body parts. really cool. you click on what you want said and it is said back to you in tahitian. showed it to my girlfriend this morning who is moorean, she thought is was pretty good. yet, there were some phrases that she doesnt' use. she would use a completely different word. but anyway, it's a real cool site for anyone interested in hearing the lang. actually spoken to you. i'm sure the oldtimers who use this board already know of this site, but for those who don't, thought this would be a big help. esp, if your planning on going over there... IP: Logged |
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Honu Nui Member Posts: 51 |
posted 07-10-2003 07:47 AM
The Tahitian language sounds very different to our "Western" ears I can tell you. It's even quite different from Hawaiian in that it lacks certains letters (like "k") that are so prevalent in other Polynesian languages. Your girlfriend might agree that its better to learn some basic French for a visit to FP. I am always dismayed that so few Americans try to pick up a little French before visiting. And the funniest thing is when Americans go to FP and think their Spanish is going to work. Not! IP: Logged |
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Pacific Andy Member Posts: 1314 |
posted 07-10-2003 07:59 AM
The BYU site is an excellent site to pick up a few Tahitian words before you go. It is amazing when you go to Tahiti and speak a little Tahitian how they open up and smile to you. I have gotten away with a lot of stuff in Tahiti with a friendly smile and a Ia Orana or Maururu. Its worth learning. IP: Logged |
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hamara Member Posts: 501 |
posted 07-10-2003 08:21 AM
Not only should you learn a little Tahatian as well as French but also do some research on their customs. We also ask friends for the French words for something we want to buy or get instructions on. It's very common for the Tahitian to shake hands all around when you know only one in the group. If someones hands are very dirty they extent their wrist for you to shake. The French count with their thumbs so when you want two of something raise your thumb and one finger. IP: Logged |
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octobergroom unregistered |
posted 07-10-2003 08:24 AM
Are there any more comprehensive sites or phrasebooks out there that I could get to learn more than just a "hello" in Tahitian? I've looked but can't seem to find anything. Nevertheless, this is a great site, thanks. Are Tahitains generally fluent in French as well as Tahitian? IP: Logged |
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GT Member Posts: 281 |
posted 07-10-2003 08:58 AM
French is the primary language taught in schools and then Tahitian and English. IP: Logged |
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maheanuu_tane Member Posts: 246 |
posted 07-10-2003 09:04 AM
"Are there any more comprehensive sites or phrasebooks out there that I could get to learn more than just a "hello" in Tahitian? I've looked but can't seem to find anything." The finest book that I have found was just released last December and is available through the University of Hawaii Bookstore. The name of the book is FA'ATORO PARAU by Sven Wahlroos, Ph.D. ISBN 0-9627095-7-3 This is a dictionary in American English and Tahitian, It has many examples of using the Tahitian words in their examples.. Just my 2 cents IP: Logged |
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12voltman Member Posts: 52 |
posted 07-12-2003 11:48 PM
I studied tahitian at the Univ. of Hawaii for 3 years and try to pick up any material I can find on the language. this new book by Wahlroos looks pretty interesting and I'll pick up a copy on my next trip back to Honolulu, but at $70.00 it wouldn't be the best choice for someone not seriously interested in learning more than the basics. For the moment I usually recommend people buy the Lonely Planet South Pacific phrasebook. It covers a lot of languages, but does include Tahitian and is pretty good for someone just trying to get an idea of what the language "feels" like. You can also see the various differences and similarities between Pacific languages when comparing words and phrases. For those that speak French I usually recommend Louise Peltzer's Tahitian grammar book that can be purchased in many Tahitian bookstores. Vaima Center's bookstore is usually the easiest to find. Overall it's pretty easy to get local Tahitians to speak to you and teach you just about anything you want to learn. They're very open and love to share the culture, especially to people that care to learn, and you'll probably feel like you've made new friends...which you have. 12v IP: Logged |
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