Hello! Fakaalofa atu!
Recently New Zealand celebrated Niuean Language Week – Vagahau Niue Weekand we have books to help you discover and explore the language, the culture and the people of Niue.
Give it a go! Here are some handy phrases to try:
Ko au he Fale Tohi.
I am at the library.
Ko au ne totou tohi.
I am reading a book.
Iloa nakai e koe ha vagahau Niue?
Do you know any Niuean langauge?
Nàkai.
No.
Begin your language learning journey here:
Tau matatohi Faka-Niue : Niue alphabet with English translation, by Bettina Ikenasio-Thorpe. Learn the basics of the language, the alphabet, numbers and colours.
To find out more about the people and the place, dive into these:
The rat and the octopus, by Jill MacGregor. Pita, who lives in the village of Tuapa on the island of Niue, describes how to catch an octopus with a lure shaped like a rat. Includes some Niuean words and a glossary.
The uga hunt, by Jill MacGregor. Arfa, who lives in Niue, describes how he and his father hunt for huge coconut crabs called uga.
Show day, by Jill MacGregor. Livisia, who lives in the village of Alofi South on the island of Niue, describes how her village hosts Show Day, a day of celebrations for the whole island. Includes some Niuean words and a glossary. In picture book format.
Haia! Allright!