Have you always wanted to learn Hawaiian but haven’t had the time? Just visiting the islands and want to immerse yourself in the culture? Or, are you new to the islands and unsure of how to pronounce street and place names?
There are ever-increasing numbers of fluent Hawaiian speakers and now you can begin to learn this rich and vibrant language.
Volcano Art Center is proud to present three series of Papa ‘Olelo Hawaii, beginning Hawaiian language courses taught by Kaliko Beamer-Trapp.
Classes will be offered for 8 weeks on Tuesdays, starting today, and will run through April 7 at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village.
Level 1 is 4-5 p.m. This basics class will focus on vocabulary, counting, simple conversation, grammar, and sentence structures. No previous knowledge is required.
Level 2 is 5-6:30 p.m. This class will focus on expanding vocabulary, using longer snippets of conversation, and understanding how repeating Hawaiian word and phrase patterns can be used to communicate using a great many types of sentences. Class is taught using Hawaiian as the language of instruction about 10% of the time to help you with listening comprehension.
Level 3 is 6:30-8 p.m. The Level 3 class is for those who can already speak and understand a little Hawaiian language. Class is taught 50% in the Hawaiian language to increase comprehension and to “immerse” the students in the language. Each 8 week series cover a different topic in reading selected from traditional Hawaiian literature of the 1800s and bases the vocabulary and lessons around the readings. This class is ideal for teachers, cultural practitioners, and those with the goal of using Hawaiian language on a daily basis.
The class fee for any of the series level is $95 and $85 for VAC members. No textbook is required; reading materials will be provided by the instructor.
To register please contact Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.