Samuel Kohlhase, 14 May 2026
Pacific Language Weeks
Noa'ia, tālofa lava, mauri, kia orāna, mālō e lelei, talofa, ni sa bula vinaka, fakaalofa lahi atu, mālo ni, halo olgeta, halo Oloketa, tēnā koutou kātoa, and warm Pacific greetings to you all.
This week marked the start of the Pacific Language Weeks, beginning with Rotuman Language Week. This is a time when twelve different Pacific languages are highlighted, with one featured each week. At OBHS, this is an opportunity for students and staff to recognise the importance of language in shaping who we are and how we connect with others.
The theme for Rotuman Language Week this year is "Ȧf'ȧk, putua, a'pumuạ'ȧk ma rak'ȧk 'os fäega ma 'os ag fak Rotuma, la se maoen 'e 'os tore", which means, “Treasure, nurture and teach our Rotuman language and culture so it may live on through generations”.
A simpler Rotuman word you can add to your vocabulary this week is ‘Figalelei’, which means ‘please’. Even using small words like this can help celebrate and preserve Pacific languages within the OBHS community.