Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 11, 1 November 1987 — Learn Hawaiian Through New Tape [ARTICLE]

Learn Hawaiian Through New Tape

Interest in learning some basics of the Hawaiian language are evident in the nearly 900 copies of the Hawaiian Language Educational cassette and booklet, "Ka Leo O Na Kupuna," whieh have been sold during the Year of the Hawaiian. Proceeds from sales of the tape go to Ka Leo O Na Kupuna, ine., a native Hawaiian nonprofit organization, to further their Hawaiian language, arts and culture educational projects. Mail orders have been received from around the mainland.

The cassette was created by five Hawaiian elders (Na Kupuna), as aproject of Ka Leo ONa Kupuna ine. They are: Agnes Kainoa Wright of Lanikai; Lilia Hale of Waimanalo; Thelma Kamala Field of Kaneohe; Elizabeth Nalani Ellis of Honolulu; and, Mae Kaleo of Hauula. The tape is a result of their recognition of the need for materials to support the enrichment, preservation and perpetuation of the Hawaiian language. "Ka Leo ONa Kupuna" was designed for children in Kindergarten to

second grade, and for persons who wish to learn some basics of the Hawaiian language, especially during the Year of the Hawaiian.

Thetaf 3includessectionson Pi'apa-Hawaiian alphabet; Na Helu-Numbers in Hawaiian: Na Waiho'olu'ucolors; and body parts. It also includes a discussion on the word "ALOHA", and three stories: "The Menehune"; "The Shell Canoe"; and "Tutu And The Fishpond". In addition to the tape, a book!et that contains a complete transcnption of the cassette is part of the

package, so tnat listeners ean read along with the spoken Hawaiian, and then practice repeating it aloud. The tape is available in bookstores and gift shops. It is also available through mail-order from R.S. Ventures, business agent for Ka Leo O Na Kupuna, ine., for $12.95 plus $1 for postage and handling. Checks and money orders should be made to R.S. Ventures, and mailed to P.O. Box 751, Honolulu, HI 96808.