Conversational Tahitian : an introduction to the Tahitian language of French Polynesia

Abstract

Tahitian is spoken throughout French Polynesia as the lingua franca. In spite of this, until now the only Tahitian grammars have been written either in French or with a heavily ecclesiastical aim. This book caters for the need for a general introduction to the Tahitian language written in English. It is a comprehensive study based on modern linguistic techniques, but presented in non-technical language. By means of a series of lessons, exercises, and passages for translation, the reader becomes familiar with the basic and recurring grammatical structures used in everyday situations, while at the same time learning something of the culture and customs of the inhabitants of French Polynesia. Both the language specialist and the traveller to the Polynesian islands will find this book an invaluable guide to the study of the Tahitian language.