Do they speak Hawaiian or English more in Hawaii?

Answer 1

We speak English here.

The Hawaiian language is practically dead. We have more people speaking Japanese, Tagala (Phillipine), and/or Chinese here than those can speak Hawaiian.

There is a form of English spoken here know as 'Pidgin', which consists of a lost of local slang, mixed with some Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Tagala, and stuff borrowed from several other cultures: it almost sounds like a completely different language to people who don't know it, but it is English: that's the funky accent you hear spoken in movies, etc...

Answer 2

It's true that the Hawaiian language has almost died out. It was illegal to speak the language (just as it was illegal to dance hula) for a very long time. What we know of the language is what the elders kept alive behind closed doors.

Fortunately, there are Hawaiian language classes, and a small but real movement to learn as much of the language as possible. It won't become dominant, though.

If you go to any of the Hawaiian hula shows in the many hotel bars or pool areas, or to a luau, you most likely will hear the host or hostess speak a greeting of welcome in Hawaiian at the beginning of the show. They will then translate what they said.

Also, you will hear short blurbs, or Hawaiian words used in a lot of ads on the TV.

It is an absolutely beautiful language. Not just the words, but the soft , lilting sound of the voice is like a vocal hug. It just makes me feel so warm when I hear it spoken well.

Answer 3

I was born and raised in Hawaii. I recently moved back and now I live here. Hawaiian is basically a dead language. What the other posters are talking about is that some locals speak 'pidgin' English. It's a creolization of Portuguese, Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and English. Pidgin's origins came from the plantation era, when different ethnic groups needed to communicate with one another. However, pidgin is not as widespread as it used to be. Many locals have left the islands because the economy fluctuates and everything is expensive. Alot of Caucasians have taken up residence and bought out their houses. It's evident in the North Shore, where just twenty years ago, everyone was brown. Now, everyone is white. On the outer islands, it gets worse. There is not a local is sight. There are many haoles (Caucasians) there who calls themselves local though. So, yes, English is the dominant language by far. You might hear Hawaiian being spoken in Niihau, but it's been closed off to the public.

Answer 4

Some Hawaiian people can still speak it, but it is America, and everyone speaks English except for the Japanese tourists. And a lot of Hawaiian people speak pigeon, which is a mic of English and Hawaiian.

Answer 5

English, but among the Hawaiian community - Hawaiian but not all Hawaiians can speak the language.

Answer 6

English!

Answer 7

you guys funny, the missionaries killed the hawaiian language, some people still speak it but hardly any.

main language is english, a lot of people speak pidgen which is just broken english, but bob would have to say at the most 10 percent of the population of hawaii can actually speak hawaiian.

Answer 8

you may have a problem finding anyone who speaks Hawaiian in Hawaii - more like English or Japanese

Answer 9

Both, they are both official state languages in Hawaii.

It has been some time since we were there; at the places we visited I think English was more prevalent (but this is at tourist attractions - so it would be expected I guess).

I think the native language is lovely to listen to.

Answer 10

Depends upon where you are. Hawaiian is the dominant language on the island of Ni'ihau. Hawaiian is still spoken throughout the islands, and the reemergence of ka 'olelo Hawai'i is being fostered by our keiki in Punana Leo and ke kula kai'apuni like 'ole. Check out the URL's below for further information.

3 Languages in Hawai'i:
1). English (Official language)
2). Hawaiian (Official language)
3). Hawaiian Creole English (aka Pidgin)

1). OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
Section 4. English and Hawaiian shall be the official languages of Hawaii, except that Hawaiian shall be required for public acts and transactions only as provided by law. [Add Const Con 1978 and election Nov 7, 1978]

2). The ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, best known for our Language Nest Preschools, is the leading entity in Hawai‘i and the United States for indigenous language revitalization. In the past twenty years, the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo has moved the Hawaiian language from a population with less than forty children speakers to one with over 2,000 children speakers. ‘Aha Pūnana Leo is committed to use of the Hawaiian language at all times—in ‘Aha Pūnana Leo programs, from preschools to graduate school, and from canoe sailing lessons to contemporary computerized offices. The ‘Aha Pūnana Leo is an active partner in the community—both the Native Hawaiian community and the broader multiracial community of Hawai‘i, fostering academic, social and economic progress. The organization's reach expands beyond the Hawaiian Islands to other indigenous communities, especially other Native American communities, where the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo model is assisting other peoples in their efforts to save their languages from extinction. We remain committed and focused on our vision, E ola ka ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, the Hawaiian language shall live.

3). Hawai'i Creole English
A language of USA
Population 600,000 (1986 Forman). Population includes 100,000 to 200,000 who have low proficiency in Standard English and near Standard English (1986 Forman). Another 100,000 speakers on the USA mainland.
Region All the Hawaiian Islands, USA mainland (especially the west coast, Las Vegas, and Orlando).
Alternate names Pidgin, Hawai'i Pidgin, HCE
Dialects The basilect (heavy creole) is barely intelligible with Standard English (H. McKaughan and M. Forman 1982).
Classification Creole, English based, Pacific
Language use Vigorous use by 100,000 to 200,000. The native speech of a large number of those born or brought up in Hawaii, regardless of racial origin. There is a continuum of speech from the distinct creole to Standard English of Hawaii. Different speakers control different spans along the continuum; there are those whose only form of verbal communication is the creole. There are some communication problems at university level. Many second-language speakers. Used in courts by officers, jurors, plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses. Creative writing in it in some schools. A growing body of serious literature. Used in schools, personal letters, local commerce, a few songs. All ages. It is accepted by many as an important part of the local culture, a distinctive local language, but looked down on by others. Some official acknowledgement of it in print and public discussion, Miranda rights. 50% of children in Hawaii do not speak English as first language when entering school. Most of these speak HCE as first language. English is used in school. Most songs are in Hawaiian or English. Other languages used are Hakka, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Ilocano, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Portuguese, Spanish, or Samoan.