Verbal Communication
Language
In Tonga, the two national languages are Tongan and English. Tongan is the native language of the land and English has been brought into the society through British missionaries entering the island in 1797. As of 1996, 98.5% can read or write in Tongan or English. Schooling is the main factor in which these languages are taught as well as the home. In the home, the family chooses what language they speak; either both English and Tongan, English or Tongan. The father usually has the most say in which language is used. As of 2011, there were 17,033 primary students enrolled and 14,874 secondary and middle school students enrolled. This figure shows that there are more students enrolled in primary years due to child reaching teenage years and being required to take up their roles in the workforce (males) or domestic duties (females).
The Tongan language is a Austronesian language. This language is similar to the native languages spoken in Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa and Tahiti. In the Tongan language their are three registers. These registers define what status the individual has. The three registers are ordinary, honorific and regal. Ordinary words are used by 'average' Tongans when having everyday conversations. Honorific words are those used when addressing chiefs. Regal words are used when addressing kings. These three registers change how phrases and words are said depending on the status of who you are addressing and conversing with. It also shows respect to those in higher authority such as chiefs and kings. When an average Tongan is speaking to a chief or king, they must change their register to show respect. Along with these registers, there are four distinguished types of pronouns; first person exclusive, first person inclusive, second person and third person. This way of speaking shows how the Tongan society is very collective and inclusive. They distinguish between inclusive personal possessions and exclusive personal possessions, suggesting that even though an individual may own something, it may be used by many people. With these pronouns, their are ways in which phrases are said. These include normal, emotional or emphatic. Emphatic is not always used that often but when it is, a distinctive accent is used. This also shows how emotion is expressed through language, therefore showing Tongan paralanguage is either normal or emotional. An article created by Cambridge University conducted series of research on the Tongan language. "Our evidence shows that the higher and lower levels of honorification in this speech register have been formed at different times and through predominantly different etymological processes." The evidence they conducted showed that the different registers of the Tongan language were formed at different times. This shows that as time progressed, the people created different ways of speaking to further show status and hierarchy in their monarchical society. What can be concluded from the Tongan language, is that Tongans are very expressive, respectful and collective in their nature and way of communicating.
Writing
The Tongan language is primarily phonetic. This means that the words that are written as they sound. The way in which the language is written shows expresses the different ways in which the word should be pronounced. For example, the five Tongan vowels have four ways of being written and therefore pronounced; the stand alone vowel, vowel with fakua'a, vowel with toloi, and vowel with fakua'a and toloi. Fakua'a is also called the 'glottal stop.' It is virtually an apostrophe placed at the beginning of a word or in-between vowels. When the fakua'a is placed at the start of a word, it lightens the pronunciation, suggesting a calming nature to the tone of speech, e.g. 'alu. A fakua'a placed in-between vowels give the sound effect of a sudden pause or break in the word, creating a harsher tone, e.g. fa'a. Toloi is a bar placed along the top of a vowel which makes the vowel twice as long. This gives the word a different sound and look creating a different meaning.
It is important, when speaking and reading Tongan, to note these additions to vowels as they change the meaning and sound of words. The written language of Tongan is imperative to how the message is sent and received, and therefore effecting the relationship of the sender and receiver. Written communication is essential to send messages and information around to people when face to face verbal communication is not an option. This is specific to the Tongan communities as messages need to be sent to remote parts of the islands. The written text is imperative to communication is it is very similar to the verbal language. The way words are written emphasise how the sender is expressing themselves and who they are speaking to. The three registers have different ways of speaking so therefore have different ways of writing. This determines the context and formality of a conversation. In conclusion, the written language is just as important as language as this form of communication is essential to communicating when face to face communication is not an option.
In Tonga, the two national languages are Tongan and English. Tongan is the native language of the land and English has been brought into the society through British missionaries entering the island in 1797. As of 1996, 98.5% can read or write in Tongan or English. Schooling is the main factor in which these languages are taught as well as the home. In the home, the family chooses what language they speak; either both English and Tongan, English or Tongan. The father usually has the most say in which language is used. As of 2011, there were 17,033 primary students enrolled and 14,874 secondary and middle school students enrolled. This figure shows that there are more students enrolled in primary years due to child reaching teenage years and being required to take up their roles in the workforce (males) or domestic duties (females).
The Tongan language is a Austronesian language. This language is similar to the native languages spoken in Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa and Tahiti. In the Tongan language their are three registers. These registers define what status the individual has. The three registers are ordinary, honorific and regal. Ordinary words are used by 'average' Tongans when having everyday conversations. Honorific words are those used when addressing chiefs. Regal words are used when addressing kings. These three registers change how phrases and words are said depending on the status of who you are addressing and conversing with. It also shows respect to those in higher authority such as chiefs and kings. When an average Tongan is speaking to a chief or king, they must change their register to show respect. Along with these registers, there are four distinguished types of pronouns; first person exclusive, first person inclusive, second person and third person. This way of speaking shows how the Tongan society is very collective and inclusive. They distinguish between inclusive personal possessions and exclusive personal possessions, suggesting that even though an individual may own something, it may be used by many people. With these pronouns, their are ways in which phrases are said. These include normal, emotional or emphatic. Emphatic is not always used that often but when it is, a distinctive accent is used. This also shows how emotion is expressed through language, therefore showing Tongan paralanguage is either normal or emotional. An article created by Cambridge University conducted series of research on the Tongan language. "Our evidence shows that the higher and lower levels of honorification in this speech register have been formed at different times and through predominantly different etymological processes." The evidence they conducted showed that the different registers of the Tongan language were formed at different times. This shows that as time progressed, the people created different ways of speaking to further show status and hierarchy in their monarchical society. What can be concluded from the Tongan language, is that Tongans are very expressive, respectful and collective in their nature and way of communicating.
Writing
The Tongan language is primarily phonetic. This means that the words that are written as they sound. The way in which the language is written shows expresses the different ways in which the word should be pronounced. For example, the five Tongan vowels have four ways of being written and therefore pronounced; the stand alone vowel, vowel with fakua'a, vowel with toloi, and vowel with fakua'a and toloi. Fakua'a is also called the 'glottal stop.' It is virtually an apostrophe placed at the beginning of a word or in-between vowels. When the fakua'a is placed at the start of a word, it lightens the pronunciation, suggesting a calming nature to the tone of speech, e.g. 'alu. A fakua'a placed in-between vowels give the sound effect of a sudden pause or break in the word, creating a harsher tone, e.g. fa'a. Toloi is a bar placed along the top of a vowel which makes the vowel twice as long. This gives the word a different sound and look creating a different meaning.
It is important, when speaking and reading Tongan, to note these additions to vowels as they change the meaning and sound of words. The written language of Tongan is imperative to how the message is sent and received, and therefore effecting the relationship of the sender and receiver. Written communication is essential to send messages and information around to people when face to face verbal communication is not an option. This is specific to the Tongan communities as messages need to be sent to remote parts of the islands. The written text is imperative to communication is it is very similar to the verbal language. The way words are written emphasise how the sender is expressing themselves and who they are speaking to. The three registers have different ways of speaking so therefore have different ways of writing. This determines the context and formality of a conversation. In conclusion, the written language is just as important as language as this form of communication is essential to communicating when face to face communication is not an option.
Non - Verbal Communication
Body Language
Tonga is a very expressive and emotional society. The expressions one uses in communication is essential to the message being sent. Misinterpretation of body language can lead to conflict and confrontation. In Tonga, there are guestures that mean different things to Australian gestures. For example, a raise of the eyebrows signifies 'yes.' In Australia, this may be seen as confused or questioning. This could cause misinterpretation.
Some other gestures and body language movements are as follows:
- Men generally continue to shake the hand for several seconds whilst the conversation starts.
- The beckoning of children with the hand is seen as inappropriate and disrespectful.
- Participants of a conversation should be all on the same level, i.e they should all be sitting or all be standing. This is due to the Tongan practice of equality and respect, so all participants are equal in a conversation.
- When sitting on a chair, it is acceptable to cross the legs at the knee but extending the leg or pointing the foot at another is inappropriate.
- When sitting on the floor, men should cross their legs and women should have their legs tucked under themselves to one side
- Women rarely do not go anywhere without company, so when addressing a women, there will usually be another there in the conversation. To remain respectful, one should greet both equally.
Dance
In most Polynesian cultures, dance is a key element in the expressing of one's beliefs and worldviews. In Tonga, there are many dances and variations of these dances. Each dance changes depending on the island or town that they come from. Each group puts their own cultural spin on the dances. When people are dancing, the audience or even the dancers will cheer and yell to be engaged and enlighten in the dance. With this in mind, there are nine main dances in Tonga; Kailao, Mako, Me'etu'upaki, Soke, Lakalaka, 'otuhaka, Tau'olunga, Ma'uu'ulu, and Ula. Four are explain in more detail below.
Kailao
This dance is a war dance originating from near Wallis Island. This dance has been adopted as the Tongan rugby haka. Men usually hold clubs and fighting sticks while they dance in a fierce and vigorous manner. Sometimes a drum or tin box accompanies the dance. A clip of the dance is seen below.
Tonga is a very expressive and emotional society. The expressions one uses in communication is essential to the message being sent. Misinterpretation of body language can lead to conflict and confrontation. In Tonga, there are guestures that mean different things to Australian gestures. For example, a raise of the eyebrows signifies 'yes.' In Australia, this may be seen as confused or questioning. This could cause misinterpretation.
Some other gestures and body language movements are as follows:
- Men generally continue to shake the hand for several seconds whilst the conversation starts.
- The beckoning of children with the hand is seen as inappropriate and disrespectful.
- Participants of a conversation should be all on the same level, i.e they should all be sitting or all be standing. This is due to the Tongan practice of equality and respect, so all participants are equal in a conversation.
- When sitting on a chair, it is acceptable to cross the legs at the knee but extending the leg or pointing the foot at another is inappropriate.
- When sitting on the floor, men should cross their legs and women should have their legs tucked under themselves to one side
- Women rarely do not go anywhere without company, so when addressing a women, there will usually be another there in the conversation. To remain respectful, one should greet both equally.
Dance
In most Polynesian cultures, dance is a key element in the expressing of one's beliefs and worldviews. In Tonga, there are many dances and variations of these dances. Each dance changes depending on the island or town that they come from. Each group puts their own cultural spin on the dances. When people are dancing, the audience or even the dancers will cheer and yell to be engaged and enlighten in the dance. With this in mind, there are nine main dances in Tonga; Kailao, Mako, Me'etu'upaki, Soke, Lakalaka, 'otuhaka, Tau'olunga, Ma'uu'ulu, and Ula. Four are explain in more detail below.
Kailao
This dance is a war dance originating from near Wallis Island. This dance has been adopted as the Tongan rugby haka. Men usually hold clubs and fighting sticks while they dance in a fierce and vigorous manner. Sometimes a drum or tin box accompanies the dance. A clip of the dance is seen below.
Mako
This dance is a face-paced dance performed by men or young men. This dance involves various hand gestures and fast movements to the fast beat of the instruments. The song/dance is representative of nature and its connection to God and man.
This dance is a face-paced dance performed by men or young men. This dance involves various hand gestures and fast movements to the fast beat of the instruments. The song/dance is representative of nature and its connection to God and man.
Me'etu'upaki
This is a dance performed by usually men, but sometimes women are involved when there isn't enough males. The dance is performed with paddles and consists of slow and fast movements representing a journey in a boat.
This is a dance performed by usually men, but sometimes women are involved when there isn't enough males. The dance is performed with paddles and consists of slow and fast movements representing a journey in a boat.
Soke
This dance is performed with sticks which are hit against each others on the beat. The dance involves both men and women. Each group of two men and two women is called a vaka or boat.
This dance is performed with sticks which are hit against each others on the beat. The dance involves both men and women. Each group of two men and two women is called a vaka or boat.