Connection Building through ʻŌlelo Hawai'i, the Hawaiian Language.

This article discusses the importance of learning the Hawaiian language, ʻŌlelo Hawai'i, for scientists and attendees of the 154th AFS Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawai'i. The article highlights how language shapes our interpretations and understanding of the world, and how the near erasure of the Hawaiian language has had lasting effects on Hawaiian society and culture. It emphasizes the significance of place names and the cultural context that can be lost in translation. The article also touches on the history of language suppression and cultural resurgence in Hawai'i, and the importance of respecting sacred spaces and embracing the spirit of Aloha. Various resources for learning ʻŌlelo Hawai'i are provided, including the Wehewehe Wikiwiki dictionary and the Duolingo app. The article concludes by encouraging attendees to engage with the language and embrace the theme of the conference, "Conserving Fishes and Fishing Traditions through Knowledge Co-Production." [Extracted from the article]