Culture & Etiquette

1. 'Ōrero

   Traditional oratory / storytelling

   Usage

   Refers to the traditional Tahitian art of oral recitation

   Grammar Note

   'ōrero can function as both a noun and a verb

2. Tē hina'aro nei au e hi'o i te 'ori Tahiti.

   I want to watch Tahitian dance

   Usage

   Used by tourists to express interest in seeing a dance performance

   Grammar Note

   "Hi'o : regarder" and "'Ori : danser". hivināu is the name of a circle dance.

3. No hea mai 'oe?

   Where are you from?

   Usage

   A standard friendly question Tahitians ask visitors

   Grammar Note

   No hea is a prepositional phrase indicating origin

4. Māuruuru roa 'oe

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   A polite expression of deep gratitude

   Grammar Note

   roa is an intensifying adverb

5. Eaha te mea tapu i 'ō nei?

   What is forbidden / not allowed?

   Usage

   Used to ask about cultural taboos or rules

   Grammar Note

   tapu = sacré; restriction; interdit. 'Ei aha is not an interrogative, and farii-hia means "accepted", the opposite of "forbidden".

6. Tē hina'aro nei au e ha'api'i i te reo Tahiti.

   I want to learn the Tahitian language

   Usage

   Expressing interest in learning the language — appreciated by locals

   Grammar Note

   hina'aro is written with the glottal stop; ha'api'i is "apprendre ; enseigner".

7. Te Heiva

   The Heiva festival (annual Tahitian cultural festival)

   Usage

   Refers to the annual cultural celebration held every July

   Grammar Note

   Capitalised as a proper noun.

8. Eaha te 'ahu ti'a nō teie 'ōro'a?

   What is appropriate dress?

   Usage

   Asking about dress code for temples or traditional events

   Grammar Note

   'ōro'a = fête ; cérémonie. ti'a alone means "appropriate" without saying of what, so 'ahu ("clothing") is added.

9. Te tatau

   Traditional tattoo

   Usage

   Used when discussing the traditional Polynesian tattoo culture

   Grammar Note

   tatau = tatouer. tātū is a back-borrowing from English "tattoo".

10. 'A hi'o na 'oe i te mau peu tumu Mā'ohi.

    Please take a look at the traditional customs of the Mā'ohi.

    Usage

    Used by local guides recommending cultural experiences to tourists

    Grammar Note

    "Peu tumu : coutume ; pratique ; tradition".

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