Interesting Facts About Tongan Language

Interesting Facts About Translation Tongan Language

The world is full of unique places and this is also for Tongan Language. Most of which we surely know about but then there are hidden gems. Places that haven’t been documented yet. Their cultures are unique. They have traditions that are older than many civilizations. They have stories and books about legends, historical facts, monuments, things that intrigue us. Scriptures that inspire historians to research and find out more about them. And all these places have their own, distinctive linguistics. The ones that natives hold dear and use in their daily conversations. One such lingo about which we are going to talk about belongs to the Kingdom of Tonga. Tonga is a Polynesian country comprising over 160 islands. Situated on the southern Pacific Ocean, Tonga is close to Fiji, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.

The word Tonga comes from Fakatonga which means Southwards, pertaining to the islands located at the farthest south of the ocean. Tonga enjoyed British Protected Status for 70 years. In 2010, however, a monumental decision was made and a constitutional monarchy was established which is still functional to date. The country has no state religion and the constitution insists on religious freedom.

Tongan language, along with English has the official status in the country. It is considered an unusual one among the Polynesian languages due to its definitive accent. Unlike Tahitian, Samoan, Maon, and Neuiri, it is spoken in a different and distinctive manner.

So, what happens when you think about visiting such a country? You learn a thing or two, right? Well, in this case, you’ll need to learn more than that. Translating Austronesian languages will take more than just an app. But you don’t have to worry as we are here to guide you through the way.

Interesting Facts Translation Tongan Language:

• Pronunciation

You’d be surprised to know that despite being a lingo that sounds so unique, as an English speaker, it will be reasonably easy for you to understand it. All letters are fully voiced, each syllable ends in a vowel and has one consonant. However, one thing that you might have to be careful about while translating and understanding the words, is lengthening the vowels. The lengthening can change the meaning of the words and nouns. Macrons have long vowels and they are counted as one syllable. There are no consonant clusters, “ng” acts as one single word. When there are two or more syllables in a word, the stress falls on the second-last syllable. So, don’t forget to keep those rules in mind to use proper stress at the proper syllable.

• Local Name

The local name for Tongan is Fakatongan and this is how locals refer to their favorite lingo there. So, if you hear the term, don’t be surprised.

• Different Counting Systems

Different counting systems are used in the country for different items. Yes, you might have a little chuckle reading this because they have different counting and numbering systems for yams and fish.

• Writing System

First written by the missionaries in the 19th century, the linguistic system of Tongan was different from the one we have now. The current spelling system was enforced in 1943.

Tongan Language, Words and Phrases That Can Be Used by English Speakers:

Even though English is taught in schools along with Tongan and other subjects, local vocabularies, greetings, and terms are used by locals. If you are planning to go to the Polynesian islands, it is essential for you to learn them.

Where to Find Tongan Translation Services?

The internet has transformed into a huge social marketplace. You can find almost anything anywhere. In fact, you don’t even have to lose your sleep or read multiple books to learn about something new or find a rare product. It is all just a click away.

Translation services are also available online. And these services are not limited to one single industry or area. You can hire companies for multiple projects at one time. No matter how rare of a linguistic service you require, you will always find an authentic source for the solution.

Health Care and Tongan Language

If your requirement is related to health care, you can search specifically for a medical translator. Are you looking for someone who can translate books, you should search for literary translators. Most of such experts are authors themselves and understand completely how important citation and references are. Many agencies also offer proofreading and editing services for error-free completion. To be on the safe side, you can hire them as well. Literary translators are well versed in source and target languages and no matter how unique your requirement is, they can cater to it really well.

For official requirements such as certified translation of official documents for immigration at the USCIS, it is always best to entrust a reputable company with your project. Apart from your financial input, you are investing your life when you made that decision to move to a new country.

This is why ignoring this important step can cost you your sleep. This is why choose a company with a 100% acceptance rate at the USCIS. A company that has been providing certified translation services for decades. They have native translators for the job. And they provide you with the certification of accuracy with the seal of the company.

Tongan audience

Speaking of business requirements, localization services are high in demand and most companies offer this service. The translators, along with software specialists, localize your website and your business app for your Tongan audience. They take care of the local terms, dialects, and usages and even translate the drop-down menu for users’ convenience. And the same translators can help you with social media campaigns and marketing.

Live interpretation services are also available for businesses. Companies can hire such services on a permanent basis after discussing the pricing. They assign separate interpreters to separate businesses so that they can provide full-time assistance to them.

So, this is it. Now that you have learned a lot, you are good to leave your town for your next trip to the Polynesian islands. No need to take any more stress.

Just don’t forget what we have written here for you and learn all those terms and greetings by heart if you want to mix with the locals well. Enjoy the tropical weather and the tropical drinks.

Hello – Mālō e lelei

Beach – matātahi

Yes – ‘Io

No – ‘Ikai

House – fale

Thank you  – Mālō ‘aupito

Excuse me – Kātaki

Please – Fakamolemole

Thank you – Mālō

Church – fale lotu

Shop – fale koloa

Restaurant – fale kai

Hospital – fale mahaki

Market – māketi

Ocean – moana

Palace – palasi

Island – motu

Village – kolo

I’m sorry – Fakamolemole atu

Goodbye (if staying) – ‘Alu ā

Goodbye (if leaving) – Nofo ā

Talo – taro, a root vegetable

Manioke – cassava, root vegetable

Fua ‘i  ‘akau – fruit

Vai – water

‘Otai – Tongan fruit drink

Lū – taro leaves

Ika – fish

Siaine – banana

Fainā – pineapple

‘Ota ika – raw fish in coconut cream and lime juice

‘Umu – underground oven

Niu – coconut

Woman — Wahine

So here it is, a long list of the most common greetings, nouns, subjects, vocabularies that are used in towns and cities. All you have to do now is learn them by heart and enjoy your trip.