TAHTN 330 - Adv Lang + Cult: Tahitian

Winter 2020
Section 001: on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

TMCB 134

Instructor
Instructor Information

Valmene Whippy
Office hours: Friday 9-10am
Or by Appointment
Email: valmenewhippy@gmail.com
Course Information
Assignments, Policies and Procedures

I will assume in class that you have already read the reading assignment for that day. Much of what we do in class will be based on the reading assignments. I
will often provide additional materials for you to read prior to the next class.

Quizzes
 There will be quizzes given throughout the course.
 You will do well on them if you read your reading assignments and do your homework regularly.

Midterm
 You are required to take 1 midterm on the scheduled date. It will be in the classroom.
Oral Presentations
 You will have one 15-20 minutes presentation (PowerPoint, role play, song, . . .) about the topic you are interested in. I encourage you to be creative by using a poster
collage, illustrated timeline, skit, board game, game show, crossword puzzle, show and tell object lesson, etc. See topics on Suggestions for Students presentations
schedule.    
Essays
 You will write 4 (2 pages essays-Times New Roman, 12, double spaced) on any listed topics. The goal of this assignment is to improve your thinking
and writing skills in Tahitian.
 Name and topic should appear in the upper right-hand corner of the first page.
  Pages must be stapled together.
Translation Homework
 You will be assigned to translate 2 texts from English to Tahitian and 2 texts from Tahitian to English to sharpen your writing skills and your language
comprehension.
Class debates
 We will organize in class debates on specific questions. I will pre- assign you into a group and I will give you time to prepare 3-5 arguments in favor of
their position and/ or 3-5 arguments against the opposite side. I will assign a class judge to decide the outcome.
Submission
 Essays and Translation Homework are due at the beginning of the class for which you are registered on the days stipulated.
 Place your papers on the table at the front of the room.           
Extra credit
 A personally composed and written Tahitian song with lyrics will surely give you extra credit.
 You may also summarize in 2 pages in Tahitian a talk by any speakers during the April 2020 General Conference.
 Four activities are required. Participate in a cultural activities that reflect the kinds of things you are studying in class. You will report on the four
cultural activities at the final exam.
Description

1. Tahitian is the principle language of this course. I will speak almost exclusively Tahitian, and I expect students to do the same.
2. The primary focus of this “special course” will be on using Tahitian to explore the literature, culture, and history of the native speakers of Tahiti. The
courses will also give attention to grammar, pronunciation, and similar matters in order to improve skills of interpersonal, interpretive, and
presentational modes of communication in Tahitian.
Prerequisites

Tahitian 330 is specifically designed for students who served a full-time mission in the Papeete Tahiti Mission where the main language is Tahitian.  
Required online materials:

1- Fare Vana’a- Academie tahitienne Dictionnary online: http://www.farevanaa.pf/v2/dictionnaire.php

2- TNTV: http://www.tntvreplay.pf
3- Polynesie premiere: https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/polynesie/emissions/te-ve or https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/polynesie/tv/direct
4- Teuira, Henry. Tahiti aux temps anciens. available on internet: http://books.openedition.org/sdo/1402

Recommended material:
English-Tahitian Tahitian-English Dictionary by Sven Wahlroos, www.uhpress.hawaii.edu
Learning Outcomes

Communication Skills

In both written and spoken target language, communicate accurately with well-educated members of the target-culture about real-world activities.
Comprehension

Understand detailed written and verbal instructions. Comprehend historical passages, newspaper and magazine articles, and broadcast news reports well
educated native speakers encounter routinely in their daily life.
Cultural Knowledge

Acquire background knowledge of important achievements related to the target culture (historical figures and events, major literary and artistic movements,
government and religious institutions, etc.). Discuss in the target language cultural practices related to major life events in the target culture (birth, marriage,
death, etc.).
General Education Requirements

Complete Languages of Learning and Global & Cultural Awareness for General Education.
Grading Scale

Grades Percent
A 93%
A- 90%
B+ 87%
B 83%
B- 80%
C+ 77%
C 73%
C- 70%
D+ 67%
D 63%
D- 60%
E 0%
Grading Policy

Your grade will be based on the following:

 20% Attendance
 10%  Midterm
 10%  Essays
 15% Presentations
  10% Translation Homework
 10%   Quizzes
 5% Debates
 20% Final Exam 

Final grades are determined after all course work has been completed.

Teaching Philosophy

Tahitian 330 is an exciting, fun-filled adventure into the Tahitian language, literature, history and culture. This class will require a lot of effort on your part for
you to be successful. Even though the Tahitian people are a fun-loving people, what I expect from you is good work, your presence and full attention in
class. We want to learn about Tahiti and its very soul. There is a body of knowledge and a certain set of language skills which I will help you acquire. If there is
something I can do to help, please, let me know, I am here to help you succeed in mastering this beautiful Polynesian language you came to love during your 2
years or 18 months mission.

Learning Suite
Learning Suite will be used throughout the course.

University Policies

Honor Code
In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most
fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing
grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence
demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university's expectation, and every instructor's
expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422-2847 if you have questions about those
standards.
Preventing Sexual Misconduct
In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Brigham Young University prohibits unlawful sex discrimination against any participant in
its education programs or activities. The university also prohibits sexual harassment-including sexual violence-committed by or against students, university
employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in university policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are
considered forms of "Sexual Misconduct" prohibited by the university.

University policy requires all university employees in a teaching, managerial, or supervisory role to report all incidents of Sexual Misconduct that come to their
attention in any way, including but not limited to face-to-face conversations, a written class assignment or paper, class discussion, email, text, or social media
post. Incidents of Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at t9coordinator@byu.edu or (801) 422-8692. Reports may also be
submitted through EthicsPoint at https://titleix.byu.edu/report or 1-888-238-1062 (24-hours a day).

BYU offers confidential resources for those affected by Sexual Misconduct, including the university's Victim Advocate, as well as a number of non-
confidential resources and services that may be helpful. Additional information about Title IX, the university's Sexual Misconduct Policy, reporting
requirements, and resources can be found at http://titleix.byu.edu or by contacting the university's Title IX Coordinator.

Student Disability
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If
you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the University Accessibility Center (UAC), 2170
WSC or 422-2767. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. The UAC can also assess
students for learning, attention, and emotional concerns. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the UAC. If you need assistance or if you
feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures by
contacting the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D-285 ASB.

Attempted Schedule (subject to change)

Date Class Reading In Class topics
T Jan 07 Intro/ Needs analysis/ Answering questions about syllabus: Presentations,
Tuesday Essays, Translations, Quizzes, etc...

Comments on the video clip

Grammar

Tahitian alphabet: vauera-pirivauera

Tahitian Diacritics
Tahitian pronunciation and punctuation (handouts)

Grammar:( handouts)

Order of words (predicate, subject, complement)

Greetings and various expressions

Lesson 1-Where are you from? (Nō hea mai ʼoe?) In Tahiti, when you
approach someone for the first time, we would ask him where he comes
 from.

      Watch video clip Tahiti History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=6yVvGvTo1wQ

and Polynesia discovery https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=tuJk_a4iWj0     

Cultural lesson : BoraBora Tōʼu āiʼa, introduction to Tahitian songs and

musical instrument.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7BBPTZBxLw

 
 

Th Jan 09 Lesson 2 Grammar lesson: Negative form and personal pronouns - Where do you come from? (Nā hea mai ʼoe?)
Thursday
In order to initiate a conversation with someone, we may ask him where he
comes from and where he is going to without being too curious. Itʼs a way
to express interest for that individual and to establish a contact.

Cultural comments: Taʼata (human being), taʼata tahiti (ethnic, geographical

and linguistic notion), te taʼata māohi (people of polynesian ancestry)

T Jan 14 Lesson 3- Grammar: Verbal expressions and questions  Who are you ? (ʼO vai ʼoe?)
Tuesday
Now that you have established a verbal exchange, let’s see how to ask the
name of your interlocutor.

Cultural comment: “Te i’oa” (handout)

Pre-quiz #1
Th Jan 16 Lesson 4- Grammar: Verbs Culture: Courtesy Manners
Thursday
  Quiz #1

T Jan 21 Lesson 5- Grammar: Indicate something or someone with TEIE, TENĀ and Student presentation 1
Tuesday TERĀ
What’s that? (E aha terā?)
.
Asking questions during lunch or dinner time
 1st Essay due

Th Jan 23 Lesson 6- Fishing with stones Cultural comments: iho & huru concepts of essence and quality.
Thursday
Fishing activity In class debate #1: Shall we fish inside the reef or outside the
reef?
T Jan 28 Lesson 7-The Family (Te ʼutuāfare)  Student presentation 2
Tuesday
Afai mai te hoho'a o to outou utuafare. Grammar-Fare Vāna’a

Grammar lesson: Adjectives Translation (handouts)

Th Jan 30 Lesson 8-I quickly woke up (Ua ara ʼoiʼoi au)- Particule ‘UA Grammar lesson: Particule ʼUA
Thursday
Getting up in the morning  Pre- quiz #2
1st Translation homework due

T Feb 04 Lesson 9-In the plantation (I roto ʼi te Faʼaʼapu) Student presentation 3 

Tuesday
family plantation Grammar lesson:  Possession Part 1 Language  Grammar-Fare Vānaʼa

Quiz #2.

Th Feb 06 Lesson 10-Where is my shoe? (Tei hea tōʼu tīaʼa ?) Cultural: Showing respect by removing your shoes.
Thursday
Looking for oneʼs shoes!
T Feb 11 Lesson 11- The Dance and Song Festival (Te Heiva) Student presentation 4
Tuesday
The National Dance and Song Festival in July Grammar lesson: Suffix RAʼA

  Culture: Musical instruments

Th Feb 13 Lesson 12-I have a beautiful house (E Fare nehenehe tōʼu) 2nd essay due
Thursday
Description of a house Grammar: Expression of absence or non existence of something: Aita

In- class debate #2: What is a beautiful house?

Translation (handouts)
T Feb 18 NO CLASS- Monday instruction 2nd translation homework due (learning Suite)
Tuesday
Th Feb 20 Lesson 13: Don’t do it again! (“Eiaha e rave fa’ahou I tera ‘ohipa!) Student presentation 5
Thursday
One of Pito’s children is cultivating Marijuana plants and ends up in front Culture lesson: Youth and their challenges (te mau taure’are’a)
of a judge.
Grammar lesson: Situate in time

T Feb 25 Midterm # 1. Midterm # 1 (TBA)

Tuesday
Th Feb 27 Lesson 14-  At the store (ʼI te Fare Toa) Grammar lesson : Progressive Form : Tē ... Na
Thursday
Purchasing in a local store swimming and diving gear Culture: Money Exchange
T Mar 03 Lesson 15-At the Dentist ( Iō te Taote Niho) Student presentation 6 
Tuesday
Miri receiving treatment for a toothache Culture: Tahitian Lunar Calendar

Grammar lesson: a, aʼenei, aʼena

Pre- quiz #3
Th Mar 05 Lesson 16-I take care of that (Nāʼu e haʼapaʼo ʼi te reira) 3rd Essay due
Thursday
A request to organize an evening of fun and food Grammar lesson: Prefixes Faʼa and Haʼa

Culture: The Tahitian underground oven (Te Ahimāʼa)

Quiz #3
T Mar 10 Lesson 17-The legend of the Lizard (Te ʼĀʼai nō te Moʼo) Student presentation 7
Tuesday
Excerpt of the legend of the Lizard Grammar lesson: Suffix HIA

Translation (handouts)

Th Mar 12 Lesson 18- What are you doing? (Te aha nei ‘oe?) 3rd Translation homework due
Thursday
Grandmother is preparing a cake! Grammar lesson: something is occurring (Te…nei and Te…ra)

particule IA, Interrogation NA HEA, Possibility and probability:

NEHENEHE

In class debate #3: What are we making?

T Mar 17 Lesson 19-When we travel (Ia Reva tātou...) Tips on how to travel to the Student presentation 8 
Tuesday outer islands.
 Grammar lesson: Notion AU, Depending: TEI; notion: MEA

Pre-Quiz 4
Th Mar 19 Lesson 20-Letʼs all go fishing!  (Haere anaʼe e tāiʼa!) Quiz #4
Thursday
Gear preparation for a fishing excursion  
Culture: Fishing mode and gear

T Mar 24 Lesson 21- The Mayorʼs election (Te maʼitiraʼa Tāvana) Student presentation 9
Tuesday
Mayoral election campaign proceedings 4th Essay due 

Grammar lesson: Prefix TA, FAʼA & HAʼA

Culture: Elections and Political offices

Th Mar 26 Lesson 22-It was lost and it was found (I moʼe na, e ua ʼitea mai nei) Student presentation
Thursday
Grammar lesson: Necessity, exhortation, NA and RA

Culture: Religions in French Polynesia

(Handout)
T Mar 31 Lesson 23-The Legends of Tahiti (Te mau ʼāʼai no Tahiti) Student presentation  
Tuesday
Excerpts of the Legend of the Breadfruit, etc. Grammar lesson: Tahitian Traditional names

Culture lesson: Geography (motu, fenua, ʼaiʼa)

Pre- quiz #5

Th Apr 02 Lesson 24- The arrival of the Americans in Bora Bora (WWII)? (Te Student presentation 10
Thursday taera’a mai o te mau marite I Bora Bora?) Translation (handouts)
Quiz #5
What happened?
T Apr 07 Lesson 25- Ua Rahu te Atua I to’u ai’a Student Presentation
Tuesday
Special guests
4th translation homework due
Th Apr 09 Final Debate (TBA) Special guests
Thursday
T Apr 14 Last day of class Final exam, last questions, etc.
 Tuesday
Th Apr 16 Final Exam preparation day- No class
Tuesday
F Apr 17 First Day of Winter Final Exams (04/17/2020- 04/22/2020)
Friday
Final Exam: April 21st at 8-10pm in class

***Challenge exam: TBD (No set dates yet, but it should happen by the end of March or beginning of April)