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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
 Posted - 03/19/2007 : 1:33:59 PM
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Since I am just starting to learn the `olelo, I am very unsure of myself. Most of what I have learned is by listening to songs with my Kawena Pukui dictionary in my lap.
In the past couple of days I have heard several different people (Bill Tapia, Nathan Aweau, and someone else, but I cannot remember who), singing "My little Grass Shack". In the song all of them pronounced it as "hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-poo-ah-ah, but I thought it is: hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-apooah-ah.
Anyone can kokua?
Mahalo,
Wanda
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2007 : 6:04:28 PM
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| Vowels rule in Hawaiian. In all Polynesian languages, vowels are important. In English, we slurr them, they're more liquid. |
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hawaiianmusiclover06
`Olu`olu
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2007 : 7:20:55 PM
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| Since I took 2 years of 'olelo Hawai'i in college for this posting I have to say that the vowels rule in the language. |
Aloha Kakou, maluhia a me aloha mau loa (Hello everyone, peace and love forever) |
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Sarah
`Olu`olu
571 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2007 : 03:33:32 AM
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Wanda, if I understand you, you are talking about the presence or lack of an 'okina in the part of the word that means "pig": pua'a. So the name would be pronounced the second way you spelled out, not the way you heard it.
The name of the fish, as I have understood, means something like stitched-together-nose-of-a-pig, because of the pattern of colors and shape of the fish's face. It is a kind of triggerfish, called humuhumu.
I tried to find an authoritative site for you, but this was the best I could find: http://www.hawaiiwebsite.com/island_info.php
By contrast, here's what the dictionary has to say about pu'a'a, the first way you cited:
pü.'ä.'ä
1. vs. Scattered, dispersed; to flee in disorder and fright. Also pükäkä. Holo pü'ä'ä, to scatter in excitement, stampede. ho'o.pü.'ä.'ä To put to flight, drive in confusion.
2. Redup. of pü'ä 2, 5; bundles, sheaths; to tie many; to besiege frequently.
In my experience, some fantastic musicians still do not always pronounce the Hawaiian words properly when singing. Remember, Hawaiian was against the law in schools for nearly an entire century, from 1896 all the way to 1986, to aid in annexation to the US, and teachers even went into homes to chastise the parents for speaking Hawaiian. So, entire generations missed out on openly learning and living their native tongue.
Basically, I think you are doing the right thing to cross-check sources if something in the lyrics seems not quite right.
aloha,
Sarah |
Edited by - Sarah on 03/20/2007 03:44:45 AM |
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Pua Kai
Ha`aha`a
USA
1007 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2007 : 05:00:23 AM
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| Common usage in Hawai'i is the way you heard it in the recordings... maybe not proper... |
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alika207
Ha`aha`a
USA
1260 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2007 : 10:11:52 AM
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| Speaking of "My Little Grass Shack," can someone provide me with the translation for "e komo mai no ka ua i ka hale welakahau?" (I think that's what the phrase is.) I would translate it as "welcome for the rain in the house (whatever welakahau means)," but that doesn't make any sense. Kokua ke 'olu'olu! |
He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha.
'Alika / Polinahe |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2007 : 1:28:37 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by hawaiianmusicfan138
Speaking of "My Little Grass Shack," can someone provide me with the translation for "e komo mai no ka ua i ka hale welakahau?" (I think that's what the phrase is.) I would translate it as "welcome for the rain in the house (whatever welakahau means)," but that doesn't make any sense. Kokua ke 'olu'olu!
I believe "He Mele Aloha" translates it as:
"Let's you and I go into the house while the time is right."
Kaona is up to you... |
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keoladonaghy
Lokahi
257 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2007 : 1:41:12 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by hawaiianmusicfan138
Speaking of "My Little Grass Shack," can someone provide me with the translation for "e komo mai no ka ua i ka hale welakahau?" (I think that's what the phrase is.) I would translate it as "welcome for the rain in the house (whatever welakahau means)," but that doesn't make any sense. Kokua ke 'olu'olu!
I think you broke up "kaua" by mistake or found it that way someplace. See if this makes any more sense:
"e komo mai no kaua (we two) i ka hale welakahau?"
I don't even know if this is correct (haven't heard the song in years) but based on what you provided I think this is more probable. |
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alika207
Ha`aha`a
USA
1260 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2007 : 4:02:16 PM
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| 'Ae. Makes more sense. Mahalo nui loa. |
He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha.
'Alika / Polinahe |
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