Pidgin: the Voice of Hawai'i
The impact of "English only" policies on students' learning and self esteem
What if you are made to feel ashamed when you speak your “mother tongue” or ridiculed because of your accent? “Pidgin: the Voice of Hawai’i” addresses these questions through its lively examination of Pidgin - the language spoken by over half of Hawai’i’s people.
This film poignantly explains how language creates a sense of belonging in a society pressured to conform to the dominance of English. It is essential viewing for language educators, parents, and college students, especially in linguistics and Asian-Pacific Studies.
Christina M. Higgins, Associate Professor, Second Language Studies, University of Hawai‘i
Reviews
A must-see for any class or workshop investigating the intersection of culture, identity, and language. This documentary gives voice to the very people whose voices we rarely hear.
Lei-Anne Ellis, Department of Human Services, City of Cambridge, Massachusetts
This joyful film is a thoughtful, well-researched work on identity, everyday life, and speaking one's mind in one's own tongue.
Filmmaker Magazine
