An integral part of the history of the English language is written in its linguistic varieties. Those varieties are often stigmatized by users of Standard English because of social, cultural, and historical characteristics that accompany their use. Such stigmatization has also arisen towards Hawai'i Creole English, an English-based language that is spoken by the majority of the residents of Hawai'i and exists alongside with Standard English and Hawaiian as the two official languages of the (federal) state of Hawai'i. Remarkably, apart from proponents of Standard English, even those who use HCE in their day-to-day communication often refer to it as 'broken English' and associate it with low educational and socio-economic status. Historically, this negative attitude towards HCE has its roots in social inequalities. Therefore, it has no linguistic base, but is "socially constructed". However, although the stigmatization has influenced even its speakers, HCE remains a means of designating local identity, be it embraced or disdained. Hence, the ability to apply HCE properly is considered to be an essential part of being a kama’aina - a 'local'. This local identity expressed by HCE is based upon cultural knowledge shared by people who were born and raised in Hawai'i and has been both reinforced and challenged by the increasing influence of Standard English on self-conception. Within this paper, it will be illustrated that HCE is used to express and maintain local identity by referring to a common cultural knowledge that is shared only by locals. Before being able to finally demonstrate in what manner local identity is confirmed by the use of HCE, it is inevitable to deal with the historical reality in which HCE emerged and illustrate on what local identity is based.
Table of Contents
- Introduction - History of Variety
- Hawai'i Creole English - Historical Background
- Being Kama'aina - Local Identity in Hawai'i
- Manner of Designating Local Identity through Hawai'i English Creole
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to demonstrate how Hawai'i Creole English (HCE) functions as a marker of local identity in Hawai'i. It explores the historical context of HCE's development and its connection to the cultural values and experiences of kama'aina (locals).
- The historical development of Hawai'i Creole English.
- The social stigma associated with HCE and its linguistic basis.
- The definition and components of "local identity" in Hawai'i.
- The semantic and pragmatic ways HCE signifies local identity.
- The contrasting values between local and non-local identities in Hawai'i.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction - History of Variety: This introduction establishes the context of the study by highlighting the existence of linguistic varieties within English and the stigma often associated with them. It specifically addresses the stigmatization of Hawai'i Creole English (HCE), even among its speakers, often referred to as "broken English." The introduction argues that despite this negative perception, HCE serves as a crucial marker of local identity in Hawai'i, a concept intrinsically linked to being kama'aina. The chapter lays the groundwork for exploring the historical emergence of HCE and the cultural foundations of local identity, which are explored further in subsequent sections.
Hawai'i Creole English - Historical Background: This chapter details the origins of HCE, tracing its development from a pidgin language used for communication among diverse immigrant groups working on Hawaiian sugarcane plantations in the 1840s. It emphasizes the role of English-speaking employers and the blending of various languages into this new form of communication. The chapter highlights the evolution of HCE from a pidgin to a creole, focusing on its adoption by subsequent generations and becoming the first language for many Hawaiians. The chapter also explores the ongoing code-mixing and code-switching between HCE and Standard English among its speakers, enriching the stylistic resources of the creole. Despite its status as an English-based creole, it possesses unique grammatical structures, orthography, and phonology.
Being Kama'aina - Local Identity in Hawai'i: This section delves into the multifaceted meaning of "local" (kama'aina) identity in Hawai'i. It connects the concept to the historical context of the Massie Case of 1931/32, highlighting the racial, cultural, and linguistic aspects of local identity. The chapter distinguishes between "racial," "cultural," and "linguistic" aspects of local identity, emphasizing the shared values among locals, such as family, community, and generosity, which contrast with what is perceived as "Haole" (non-local) values of individualism and materialism. This chapter connects the ideological significance of HCE to the preservation of this local identity and the tensions arising from its interaction with Standard English within the Hawaiian educational system. The chapter explains how HCE functions as a means of asserting solidarity and belonging to the local community, providing a sense of resistance against mainland values.
Manner of Designating Local Identity through Hawai'i English Creole: This chapter focuses on how HCE is used to express local identity semantically and pragmatically. It emphasizes the unconscious reliance on shared cultural knowledge among HCE speakers. The chapter illustrates how HCE speakers signify local identity through unique thought patterns and processes ingrained in their culture, thereby reinforcing a sense of community and belonging.
Keywords
Hawai'i Creole English (HCE), Pidgin, Kama'aina, Local Identity, Cultural Identity, Linguistic Identity, Social Stigma, Plantation History, Code-switching, Code-mixing, Standard English, Social Inequality.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Hawai'i Creole English and Local Identity
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper examines how Hawai'i Creole English (HCE) functions as a marker of local identity in Hawai'i. It explores the historical development of HCE, its social stigma, and its connection to the cultural values and experiences of kama'aina (locals).
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical development of HCE, the social stigma associated with it, the definition and components of "local identity" in Hawai'i, how HCE semantically and pragmatically signifies local identity, and the contrasting values between local and non-local identities.
What is the historical background of Hawai'i Creole English (HCE)?
HCE originated as a pidgin language used for communication among diverse immigrant groups working on Hawaiian sugarcane plantations in the 1840s. It evolved from a pidgin to a creole, becoming the first language for many Hawaiians. The paper details its development, including code-mixing and code-switching with Standard English.
What is the meaning of "kama'aina" and how does it relate to local identity in Hawai'i?
Kama'aina refers to the local population of Hawai'i. The paper explores the multifaceted meaning of "local" identity, distinguishing between racial, cultural, and linguistic aspects. It contrasts the values associated with kama'aina (family, community, generosity) with those perceived as "Haole" (non-local) values (individualism, materialism).
How does HCE function as a marker of local identity?
HCE signifies local identity semantically and pragmatically. Speakers unconsciously rely on shared cultural knowledge. Unique thought patterns and processes ingrained in the culture are expressed through HCE, reinforcing community and belonging. It serves as a means of asserting solidarity and resistance against mainland values.
What is the social stigma associated with HCE?
HCE often faces social stigma, even among its speakers, and is sometimes referred to as "broken English." The paper addresses this negative perception and argues that despite the stigma, HCE plays a vital role in local identity.
What are the chapters covered in this preview?
The preview includes an introduction outlining the study's context and the stigma surrounding HCE; a chapter on the historical background of HCE; a chapter defining "kama'aina" and local identity; and a chapter detailing how HCE expresses local identity.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include Hawai'i Creole English (HCE), Pidgin, Kama'aina, Local Identity, Cultural Identity, Linguistic Identity, Social Stigma, Plantation History, Code-switching, Code-mixing, Standard English, and Social Inequality.
What is the overall objective of this paper?
The paper aims to demonstrate how HCE functions as a significant marker of local identity in Hawai'i, highlighting its historical development and its connection to the cultural values and experiences of the kama'aina.
What is included in this language preview?
This comprehensive language preview includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
- Quote paper
- Dominik Jesse (Author), 2015, Kama’aina's Broken English. Designation of local identity through the use of Hawai'i Creole English, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/294750
