Happy Aloha Friday!

Welcome to this week's roundup of tasty tidbits specially curated for you from Hawaii to Istanbul and everywhere in between...

👋 Hi friends!

February is Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) and it got me thinking about how many more resources are available these days vs when I was growing up.

Here's an ʻŌlelo no'eau recorded by Mary Kawena Pukui:

"I ka ʻōlelo nō ke ola, i ka ʻōlelo nō ka make."
"In language, there is life; in language, there is death."
– Words have great power, and how they are used can either uplift or harm.

I shared a few of my thoughts and reflections and Olelo Hawaii resources in case you might be interested in learning more in this week's featured post.

Part of the beauty of growing up in Hawaii was in the diversity of cultures, but even Hawaii has felt the effects of a kingdom overthrown and a language repressed for almost a century. I think I may have been extra reflective with the news on DEI programs and statements that seem to indicate a return to glorifying imperialism.

So consider this my small way of cheering on indigenous languages and remaining empathetic and curious about other cultures. ❤‍🩹

In other news:

Maui’s Kalani Pe’a accepted his fourth Grammy win last weekend, for the album Kuini (Queen) Listen here 🎶
This year marked the two year remembrance of the devastating earthquakes in Turkiye & Syria. Turkey Recap reports on the families still searching for justice and the Fine Turkish Wine blog checks in with Antioche Vineyards.

📣 New on Shoyu Sugar

Duolingo Hawaiian has been keeping me entertained!

My Hawaiian Language Journey

Learning ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i as an adult (and from halfway around the world!) is still rewarding and challenging given many helpful resources I've found available online.

❄ We got our first snow of the season here in Istanbul this week, but lots of people are already thinking ahead to the Istanbul Tulip Festival which happens annually in April. Another classic springtime flower - did you know that you can find cherry blossoms even in Hawaii? (I admit I didn't!)
🏈 For me the Superbowl was always about everything but the game - the funny commercials, the halftime show and of course the food! To get into the spirit of New Orleans, here’s a chicken & sausage gumbo recipe from celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme and if you’re lucky enough to be in town for the big game, here’s a great guide to New Orleans from Eater!

Language News 🤓

Wirecutter has a review of best language apps includes Busuu, which is a partner company of the platform where I teach, Verbling!
🇬🇷 25 things to know when visiting Greece + language phrases for each from my friend Maria Paravantes of TheGreekVibe.com
I got a laugh out of these Valetines cakes from the Local General store with classic Pidgin phrases in Hawaii.

I'm thinking of testing out Rocket Languages, but there are 14 options and I can't decide! So far I'm leaning towards Japanese, Korean or Sign Language... You can see all 14 languages here.

Which would you pick?

Feeling Lucky🍀

Enter to win the Ultimate Maui Valentine's Day Giveaway including a Trilogy Excursion Lanai sail for two, dinner at Mama’s Fish House and a 1-night stay at Mama’s Fish House Kuau Cove Inn. Enter here by 2/14.
[Hawaii Residents] Sign up for Huaka’i by Hawaiian Airlines for a chance to win the Ten Million Miles Giveaway by 2/14
InDepartures.com is giving away a £40 Trip.com certificate, check out the details and enter here by 2/28
eSIM provider Gig Sky is giving away a trip of a lifetime - a free cruise! Enter by 3/28. Details here.

Have a great weekend!

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