Hawaiian Language
The Hawaiian language is a Polynesian language native to the Hawaiian Islands.
It is one of the official languages of the state of Hawaii, alongside English.
Historically the dominant language in the region, Hawaiian suffered a decline in speakers due to American and European colonization, but it has experienced a revitalization since the late 20th century.
The language is characterized by a small phonemic inventory, which includes only eight consonants and five vowels, and it utilizes a glottal stop known as the ‘okina.
Hawaiian is integral to the preservation of the cultural heritage and identity of Native Hawaiians, featuring prominently in local songs, cultural practices, and education.