The Hawaiian language is unique in that, unless you are actually from the state of Hawaii, you may have a difficult time mastering the language. Mainland Americans often have trouble with the dialect. Even simple names can become difficult because of the short alphabet of this distinct language. With only 13 letters, it can be quite a task to pronounce the names of people and places in Hawaii. However, by familiarizing yourself with the alphabet and Okina, you will soon find yourself speaking the language and pronouncing Hawaiian names like an island local.
Instructions
Pronounce Names in Hawaiian
1. Learn the 5 vowels. The vowels are as follows:
A as in "hah"
E as in "hem"
I as in "ski" or the game Wii
O as in "low"
U as in "tulle"
2. Learn the consonants. The consonants h, k, l, m, n, p, w are pronounced pretty much the same way they sound in English with the exception of w which usually sounds more like a v. The Okina, which is a glottal stop, is simply pronouncing the vowels in slow staccato fashion. Hawaii is pronounced "Hah - vie - ee." Waikiki is pronounced "Why - key - key."
3. Familiarize yourself with the diphthongs. The diphthongs include: ae, ai, ao, au, ei, eu, oi, ou. They are pronounced as though they are single vowels.
4. Know the rules. W is pronounced "V" when it comes after I and E. However, if it comes after U or O, it's pronunciation is much like the English version as "W". The letters P and K are softer in Hawaiian than they are in English.
5. Learn replace the typical English consonants with Hawaiian consonants. Here are the Hawaiian equivalents to the remaining English consonants with the exception of the letter X.
B and F are pronounced as P. The letters C, D, G, Q, S, T and Z are pronounced as K. R is pronounced L, V is pronounced W and Y is pronounced I ("ee"). J is a little trickier since it can be pronounced as I ("ee"), K, W or H.
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