• Happy birthday kiate au

    One year ago I created this blog as a resource for parents, educators and anyone wanting to learn this beautiful language of ours. My focus was on creating fun experiences for my 4 children, and in that time my children have blossomed. Never did I imagine that one year later I would be putting those personal experiences to…

  • Tongan bible verse: Mātiu 7:7-8

    Tongan bible verse: Mātiu 7:7-8

    A great tip to learning Tongan is comparing bible passages in English & Tongan. Kids learn Tongan by reciting bible verses and hymns durnig Faka-Mē or White Sunday in May which is a great way to pick up vocabulary. Here is a visual of a well known bible passage Matthew 7:7-8. Simply compare the verse and recite by…

  • Tongan kisses for the new year

    Ko e hā ʻa e ʻuma faka-Tonga pea ʻoku ai fēfē? Ko e ʻuma faka-Tonga ʻoku tatau mo e ʻuma fakananamuʼ, ʻoku faingofua pe ʻene ai ka ko e ngaahi meʻa eni ke manatuʻi.  milimili kilimi ke namu lelei ʻa e mata kihe taimi fakafeiloaki ʻumaʻaki ʻa e kouʻaheʼ pea mihi pē ki ha taha…

  • The limits of my Tongan language

    The goal for my blog in 2014 is to make learning the Tongan language easy, fun and shareable for you all in this digital age. Like climbing a coconut tree the view is better from the top but we can only share as much as we know. The limits of my language (ie my understanding of the…

  • Prince of Peace: Aisea 9:6

    Prince of Peace: Aisea 9:6

    A beautiful passage in the bible, reminding us the reason for the season. Isaiah: 9:6 For there has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father,…

  • Talamonū: Tongan Christmas Greetings

    Talamonū: Tongan Christmas Greetings

    ‘Oku ‘oatu ‘ae popoaki talamonū faka kilisimasi ko eni kiate kimoutolu kotoa pe ʻi he tapa ʻo e koloape. ‘Ofa ke mou ma’u ha Kilisimasi fiefia mo faka’ofo’ofa ‘o hangē ko ho’omou feitu’u faka’ofo’ofa pea tauange ke tau ‘inasi ‘i he fiefia tatau ʻi hono fakamanatua ‘o e ‘aho ‘Alo’i. ‘Ofa lahi atu meiate au Hema Fifita…

  • Mamalu e pō – Oh holy night

    Kuo lele mai e mafana he fanongo ki he le’o ko ‘eni. Fakatauange te mou ma’u ha kilisimasi fiefia. My favourite Christmas song has to be Oh Holy Night and here is the Tongan version. I am definitely feeling the spirit of Christmas. Wishing you all a safe happy holidays.

  • End of year presentation: speak Tongan at home

      Reciting the words to Tolifisi at the Tongan Language School (Sydney) presentation day 2013   The school year has ended with our presentation day last saturday. It was a heartwarming day here in Sydney with the words of our guest speaker still resonating with me. The guest speaker Albert Vella who is the President of the NSW Federation of Community…

  • ‘Oiaue ‘Ana Latu lyrics

    There are not many children’s lullabies in the Tongan language. This probably has to do with the old traditional attitude that kids should be seen but not heard. ‘Ana Latu is the closest one I could think which is a well known children’s lullaby a lot of mother’s sing to their kids. But if you…

  • Tongan hymn: Te u hiki ‘a hoku le’o lyrics

    Beautiful songs need to be shared. Sing-a-long. There is always a lot more appreciation when you know the words and the meaning behind it. Blessed Sunday to you all. 1. Te u hiki ‘a hoku le‘o – I will raise my voice up high Ke fai ‘atu ‘a e fakamālō – To give you thanks…