Perpetuating the language worldwide: ‘What Makes Us Human?’ gets Hawaiian adaptation

In an effort to perpetuate the Hawaiian language worldwide, Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo partnered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, to publish a Hawaiian adaptation of the internationally acclaimed “What Makes Us Human?”

“I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha?” was also released Feb. 21 during Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian Language Month, in recognition of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s International Mother Language Day, aligning with the ongoing International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032).

“The publication of ‘I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha?’ in Hawaiian is another important step in reaffirming our language on the global stage,” said Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani Director Kaʻiu Kimura. “It not only contributes to our children’s literacy and language development but also reinforces the significance of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi as a living language, capable of engaging with the world.”

Originally written in Portuguese by Brazilian-American author and linguist Victor D. O. Santos, the book is structured as a riddle as it guides children through the significance of language as a defining element of humanity.

Hawaiian is the first Native American-related indigenous language and the first Pacific Island language in which the book has been published.

The Hawaiian adaptation was crafted by Kaʻiuokalani Damas, an assistant professor of Hawaiian and Hawaiian studies at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, in collaboration with his wife Kauʻilani, a teacher at Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Iki Lab Public Charter School in Keaʻau.

The couple is raising their daughters as first-language Hawaiian speakers. 

“Hawaiian is a playful language, rich with wit and double meanings,” explained Kaʻiuokalani Damas. “This book highlights the critical role of language in human identity while introducing young Hawaiian speakers to the joy of riddles and wordplay.”

UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages Decade highlights the urgency of language preservation. The Hawaiian edition joins other indigenous language versions, such as Mapuzungun of the Mapuche in Chile and Hñähñü of the Otomí in Mexico.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Hawaiian Language College leads national revitalization efforts through the National Native American Language Resource Center.

Hawaiʻi’s 4,000-plus students in Hawaiian medium schools mark a dramatic resurgence from fewer than 50 child speakers just 40 years ago, making it the largest initiative of its kind for a Native American-related indigenous language.

Early literacy is critical in growing the next generation of Hawaiian speakers.

Hawaiian medium preschoolers learn to read 2 years earlier than their English peers through the Hakalama method, a syllable-based system designed for Hawaiian’s unique structure. This approach fosters strong literacy skills and long-term fluency.

The final production of “I Kanaka Mai I Ke Aha?” was completed through Hale Kuamoʻo Hawaiian Language Center at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Copies are available for pre-order online.