Although the exact origin of the word pidgin has been lost, some maintain that it comes from a Chinese word meaning business. That makes sense, because if two people with different languages want to do business, pidgin gives a workable way forward.

Occasionally, a basic and simplistic pidgin goes one step further, evolving into a language with rules of grammar, a vocabulary, as well as its own phonology, or language sounds. Then, in linguistics, it becomes a creole language. Think of Gullah or Louisiana Creole. That is what  happened with Hawaiian pidgin. 

In recent years, there has been a recognition, and appreciation for Hawaiian creole’s vocabulary and expressive power. So much so, that in 2015, the United States Census Bureau formally recognized Hawaiian creole as one of the over 300 languages spoken in U.S. homes. 

Hawaiian creole’s vocabulary is rich and diverse. Many words have Hawaiian origins, such as makai, toward the ocean, or mauka, toward the mountains, while others come from English as in brah, brother, or grindz for food. Portuguese added broke da mout for delicious, and Cantonese contributed bumbai for later. 

At its core, Hawaiian creole is a blend of English, Hawaiian, Portuguese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Japanese. Although, there might be a few more nationalities in the mix than are mentioned in this list.

Hawaiian creole serves as a means of communication for people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is used in informal settings, family gatherings, and among friends. For many, it is not just a language but a symbol of identity and belonging, representing shared experiences and cultural heritage.

Though it has faced stigma and discrimination, in recent years Hawaiian creole has seen a growing recognition, as well as appreciation for it as a legitimate language with its own unique grammar and sound.

There have been concerns that over time, people’s enthusiasm for Hawaii’s pidgin would wane, and the new language would fall out of favor. Not if the University of Hawaii has anything to do with it. The University’s Charlene Junko Sato Center is dedicated to supporting the public’s engagement with Hawaiian creole. There is an ongoing effort to study and promote the language, its linguistic richness, and cultural significance.

Others as well have contributed to the popularity of Hawaiian creole. For instance, a retired Cornell University linguistics professor, worked for 12 years with over 25 native pidgin speakers to translate the Bible’s New Testament into modern Hawaiian Pidgin. After that was finished, a translation of the Old Testament began. Finally, in 2020, the full translation was completed. The combined Testaments are titled Da Good An Spesho Book. Copies are for sale online through Amazon as well as through Walmart.

Fall out of favor? Neva!