Symbolic Resistance and Resilience: The Role of Pidgin in Language Migration and Hawaiian Sovereignty

Abstract

This paper explores the history and impact of Hawaiian pidgin, a language born from diverse influences resulting from colonialism, English settlers, and cultural exchanges. It challenges the notion that language roots end in oppression, celebrating liberation as a fusion of linguistic influences. Pidgin serves as a means of symbolic resistance and affirmation of Hawaiian cultural identity, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Hawaiian culture in the face of colonization and cultural imperialism. This study delves into the history of pidgin, examining its impact on language usage in religious circles and its perception in Hawaiian culture.

Presenters

Noah Humphrey
Student, Masters of Divinity '23, Yale Divinity School, Connecticut, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Narratives and Identity

KEYWORDS

Language, Decolonization, Identity, Migration, Land, Law