Without question, this is the definitive grammar of the Hawaiian language. Indeed it is the first attempt at a comprehensive treatment of the subject since W. D. Alexander published his concise Short Synopsis of the Most Essential Points in Hawaiian Grammar in 1864. This grammar is intended as a companion to the Hawaiian Dictionary, by the same authors. The grammar was written with every student of the Hawaiian language in mind—from the casual interested layperson to the professional linguist and grammarian. Although it was obviously impossible to avoid technical terms, their use was kept to a minimum, and a glossary is included for those who need its help. Each point of grammar is illustrated with examples, many from Hawaiian-language literature.

The best available primer in the grammar of the Hawaiian language. Its introduction to the structure and idiosyncrasies of the language offers an opportunity to study the genuine, uncorrupted idiom as spoken by older Hawaiians of a century ago. Employs the standard terms and divisions of European grammars, with clear explanations and numerous examples.

This Hawaiian language text, intended for self-learning as well as classroom use, presents the principal conversational and grammatical patterns of the language in 67 lessons, each containing English-Hawaiian dialogues. Emphasis is given to idiomatic speech, and a vocabulary of approximately 800 words, selected on the basis of frequency of usage and cultural importance, is introduced. The frequent humor of the lessons makes Elbert's Spoken Hawaiian an enjoyable learning experience. Also noteworthy is the author's inclusion of old Hawaiian in the text - legends, songs, stories - to enable the student to read the rich Hawaiian traditional literature in the vernacular language. The illustrations by noted artist Jean Charlot are a charming and amusing complement to the text. Spoken Hawaiian will help the student not only to read and speak the language, but at the same time to appreciate the rich heritage of the Hawaiian past and its literature. of the sixty-seven lessons is a sample dialog in Hawaiian with English translation.

Devoted to a serious description of Pidgin origins and grammar, this work on Pidgin grammar does not require knowledge of linguistics. This reference is useful for anyone wanting to know more about this unique language of the Hawaiian Islands.