Meet the UH instructor behind the ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi Harry Potter

Summary

In this video, Keao NeSmith, a Hawaiian language instructor and cultural practitioner, discusses his work translating popular books, such as Harry Potter, into Hawaiian. Raised in a Hawaiian-speaking household, NeSmith reflects on how his grandmother influences his translations, especially dialogue. He shares the emotional impact his work has had on the Hawaiian-speaking community, who never imagined such iconic stories in their native language. NeSmith's translations contribute to the growing library of Hawaiian language materials, although he notes the need for much more to support Hawaiian learners and speakers.

Takeaways

• 📖 Keao NeSmith is translating popular books, like Harry Potter, into Hawaiian.
• 🌺 NeSmith, a cultural practitioner, grew up in Kekaha, Kauaʻi, where Hawaiian is widely spoken.
• 👵 NeSmith's grandmother influenced his use of Hawaiian, and he imagines how she would speak when translating dialogue.
• 🎉 The translation of Harry Potter into Hawaiian has had a powerful emotional impact on people, with some moved to tears.
• 📚 NeSmith has also translated other modern classics like The Hobbit and Alice in Wonderland into Hawaiian.
• 💻 His translations are available both in local stores and online from major booksellers.
• 😮 NeSmith was surprised and excited to see his name alongside J.K. Rowling's on the Harry Potter translation.
• 🚂 He completed the Harry Potter translation while on a train from Paris to Barcelona, feeling a sense of connection to the story.
• 📚 The translations add valuable material to the library for Hawaiian language learners and speakers.
• 🔨 Despite the progress, NeSmith notes that there is still a significant need for more Hawaiian language books and resources.

Q & A

Who is Keao NeSmith?

Keao NeSmith is a language instructor and cultural practitioner who was born and raised in Kekaha, Kauaʻi. He grew up speaking Hawaiian with his grandmother and now translates popular books into Hawaiian.

What notable works has Keao NeSmith translated into Hawaiian?

Keao NeSmith has translated popular modern classics like 'Harry Potter,' 'The Hobbit,' and 'Alice in Wonderland' into Hawaiian.

Why was the translation of 'Harry Potter' into Hawaiian significant?

The translation was significant because it resonated deeply with the Hawaiian-speaking community, with some people even expressing their emotions in tears, as they never imagined the book would be available in their language.

What was Keao NeSmith’s personal connection to the Hawaiian language?

Keao NeSmith grew up speaking Hawaiian with his grandmother, and he often imagines how she would say things when translating dialogue into Hawaiian.

How does NeSmith feel about the popularity of his translation of 'Harry Potter'?

NeSmith was surprised by the popularity and widespread reaction to his translation, calling it a 'bombshell' and never expecting it to 'blow up' as it did.

What does Keao NeSmith mention about the availability of Hawaiian language materials?

NeSmith points out that, despite his translation efforts, there is still a significant lack of books and materials available for Hawaiian learners and speakers.

Where can NeSmith’s translations be found?

NeSmith’s Hawaiian translations are available at local retailers and online through major booksellers.

What was NeSmith’s experience while finishing the translation of 'Harry Potter'?

NeSmith finished the last paragraph of the 'Harry Potter' translation while on a train from Paris to Barcelona. He described the moment as feeling surreal, comparing it to the magic of the Harry Potter world.

What emotional reaction do people have to NeSmith's work?

Some people in the Hawaiian-speaking community reacted emotionally, with a few even crying, as they were overwhelmed to see a beloved story available in Hawaiian.

What challenges does NeSmith mention about translating books into Hawaiian?

NeSmith acknowledges that translating books into Hawaiian is a lot of work and that the community still faces a large shortage of materials in the Hawaiian language.