#Tongan Language Week

[hazzelle-kento]

To finish the last day of TLW 🇹🇴

(WIP !! Of Hubby & I, in our traditional wedding attire 🥹🥹🤣)

[marismoments39]

Yesterday my school had a performance for tongan language week and this kid sitting next to me was playing PLANTS VS ZOMBIES ON HIS PHONE, like, first of all DISRESPECTFUL. Second, THE PERFORMANCE IS OPTIONAL YOU CAN JUST GO ENJOY YOUR BREAK SOMEWHERE UH NOT HERE, and third, THEY'RE FRIKKIN DUMB LIKE BRO THEY JUST PLACED PEASHOOTERS EVERYWHERE AND LIKE 3 SUNFLOWERS AND AND THEN THEY WERE MAD THEIR PHONE RAN OUTTA BATTERY LIKE UH DESERVED.

it was a great performance, though~

[romanstheory]

Lose My Breath a Roman Reigns One Shot

Warnings: smut, language, violence (not between mc's), breath play

Word Count: 2,300

Four Weeks Ago

Watching the monitor my heart sinks to my stomach. The look on Solo's face when Paul Heyman says he's not his tribal chief. Fuck! I have to do something! My last run-in with the bloodline wasn't amazing, Solo being Roman's bitch at the time put me through a table. But none of that matters, Paul has been a father figure to me ever since I got to this company, coaching me, encouraging me, and pushing me the entire time. I can't allow this to happen even if it means having Jacob and the Tongans rip me apart for doing it... I have to try.

I take in a deep breath and run through the curtain, the crowd roars in response. The bloodline's heads whip towards me, my heart pounds out of my chest as Tama runs toward me. Quickly I hit him, knocking him to the ground, then came Tonga, and a quick kick takes him down. Jacob looks at me and I swear my heart stops for more than a few seconds, but he doesn't approach me. Instead Solo approaches me, barking insults at me. Before he can finish I start attacking him, Paul catching his breath on the ground before Solo hits the ground and I grab Paul quickly. Jacob doesn't so much as look at me before rushing to Solo's side. "You're okay" I whisper to Paul "I got you... You're okay".

Summerslam is here... I've found myself in a one vs two handicap match with Solo and Jacob Fatu. I've fought men my entire career but this... This is different. I pace back and fourth trying to come up with a game plan but my mind blanks over and over again. I'm not afraid of either of them separately, but together they're unbeatable and of course, I have to worry about the tongans outside of the ring as well. A hand rests on my shoulder, my head snaps in it's direction.... Jey. "You good?" He asks. He's been a friend of mine for a while but since his split from the bloodline and brand switch we haven't been in contact much. "Yeah" A lie escapes my lips with ease.

He curls his lips in disapproval of my obvious lie. "I'm coming to the ring with you" A statement, not a question. I don't object or give him a hard time like I normally would. Jey helps me warm up, melting away any sense of anxiety I carry with me. "Go fuck em up, if anybody is going to do it it's gonna be you " Jey begins "You're the toughest motherfucker in this business regardless of gender. What you did for Paul is something nobody back here had the courage to do. Roman isn't here to do it so you did, YOU put them all on the ground by yourself once.... Do it again". I nod my head in approval and jump in place, hyping myself up. I can do this, like he said I did it once so I can do it again. Solo is finishing his entrance and my music hits. Adrenaline pumps through my veins when Jey and I enter the arena. Rage fills Solo's eyes as Jacob paces back and forth behind him.

Jey squeezes my shoulders before I enter the ring. Solo pretends to want to start the match, but in true punk bitch fashion, he forces Jacob into the ring to start. The snarl drops from his face, and he looks at me with something like sorrow in his eyes that disappears in a blink. I approach him ready to go in for the kill, he refuses to attack. Confusion floods my brain before I look back at Solo who is furiously barking at Jacob. "Hit her! Hit her right fucking now and pin her" He barks over and over again. Quickly I look back at Jey who is just as confused as me. Jacob lowers his head, walking backward, and slapping Solo's chest to force tag him in. Battle begins.

I pin Solo and just as the ref counts to three the Tongans rush into the ring before my music can even play. Jey follows. Before anyone can do too much damage Roman's music blares across the arena sending shockwaves through the air. Everyone in the ring freezes as he walks down the ramp, Paul Heyman beside him almost unable to keep up. The Tongans and Solo immediately go to attack him, Jey and I coming to Roman's defense as Jacob paces back and fourth pulling at his locs, murmuring to himself before deciding to come to Roman's aid instead of Solo's.

Roman, Jey, Jacob, and I end up on top. Roman looks at me, his eyes directed to the same area sending shockwaves of pain through my ribs.... a cut. Softly he lifts my arm "Who did this?" He barks over the deafening sound of the crowd. Without a second thought, I point to Solo who is holding his jaw on the ground. Without question Roman grabs Solo up and I swear he was trying to rip him in half. Over and over he attacks Solo, if the tongans hadn't coughed I would have assumed they were dead. Solo lay almost lifeless beside them when Roman was done with him. I look at them and then up at him before my eyes meet Paul.... My mentor, my couch, my father figure. Paul pulls me into a tight embrace. "Thank you" He says over and over again, tears flooding his eyes before he releases me.

Roman looks at me, my eyes catching his dark brown eyes that seem to soak up every ounce of light. Grabbing me by my waist he lifts me onto his shoulder, holding my thigh tight to his shoulder before throwing up a one. I follow suit, chest heaving with emotion. I can hear the crowd but it feels like it's just us in the ring. This moment feels like euphoria I never want it to end. Carefully he takes me off his shoulder, bending down slightly so his mouth grazes my ear. "It was hot when you were beating the shit out of them" His hand grazes my ass slights as he lowers his hand. Heat swells in my middle. He and Jey sit on the ropes allowing me to easily slip through.

The ride to the hotel with Jey is full of loud laughter and singing whatever songs the uber driver was playing. "Aye shots on me at the hotel bar!" He says! "We lit tonight!". I can't help but laugh at Jey's excitement. Jacob sits next to him chuckling to himself. I can't help but to wonder if Roman will be there. He keeps a low profile these days but surely tonight was worth celebrating. "Is Roman coming?" I quickly ask. Jey snaps his head over to me "Do you want him to be" He flashes a goofy grin at me. "Maybe" I shrug and he lets out a cackle before whipping his phone out, fingers moving so fast I can barely keep up. What feels like forever goes by when Jey turns to someone behind us and grins... Must be Roman.

"What's up big uce!" Jey grins so hard it hurts my face just looking at it. Slowly I turn to face Roman, who is already looking at me. Fuck... he's even hotter than he was in the ring beating up his own cousin for putting a mark on me. "You look good" He says lowering his eyes to my lips and then taking in the rest of my body. "Likewise" Is all I say in response, afraid I'll say something to embarrass myself if I allow anything else to leak from my mouth. "I'll uh be right back I gotta use the restroom" Jey says flicking his eyes between both of us before walking away. "Thank you" Is all Roman says to me before he sips on the dark liquid in his cup. "For?" I reply. A chuckle leaves his lips "Helping Paul when I couldn't. You didn't have to, I appreciate it is all" Roman responds before sipping again.

"Paul means a lot to me, so there's no need to thank me" I drain the brown liquid in my cup quickly "So why did you ask me who put the mark on my stomach?". He's silent for a beat "Because I hate when pretty things get all scratched up" He replies "Plus... if you're going to be mine then what kind of man would I be if I just let someone else mark you up?" His? He's met me all of three times, the last time he watched me go through a table. "Excuse me?" I cackle "Yours? When have I ever been known to be someone else's thing to keep?". Roman turns to me, those deep eyes seemingly pulling my soul from my body. "Since I realized how fucking sexy you are... Since I took a second to really look at the way your ass jiggles when you beat the shit out of grown men in that ring... Since I really looked at you and saw how perfect every feature on your face is" He lowers himself, brushing his lip over my ear, voice just above a whisper "Since I decided that I want to fuck you so good you'll agree to be my prize to keep"

Fire and ice fill my veins in a battle between slapping him and jumping on him right now in the middle of this bad, and riding him until we're both puddles of sweat floating towards nirvana. I bite my lip to muffle my gasp as his warm tongue grazes my earlobe. "Come if you want, stay if you don't" He gulps down the remaining liquid in his glass before getting up and slowly walking away. Of course, I followed him, what am I? Stupid? He looks back at me with a devilish smirk before reaching out his hand for me to grab. Quickly I place my hand in his, it's rough from weightlifting but big and warm. I can only imagine what it would feel like around my throat.

We enter his room and it already smells like his cologne. He sits on the bed, inviting me to sit between his long legs. I sit, putting my legs on either side of him, pulling him into a deep kiss. His lips are soft, breath minty as his tongue glides around mine. I can feel him growing under me quickly making whatever dam is between my legs threaten to overflow. I press my hips into his, needing to feel some sort of pressure. A villainous chuckle leaves him "How bad do you want it?" Bad.... so bad I might even consider begging for it. "Bad" I whisper "But tell me... My tribal chief... How bad do you want me because you've been growing under me since I sat down." Lust coats my vision in a deep dark film when those brown eyes narrow at me like a lion does on its prey.

Quickly he stands, laying my back on the bed. Pulling down his sweatpants, revealing his long thick length. I follow his lead, pulling my shorts off, and throwing them to the side. Bringing myself to my knees I kiss the tip of his hard member before swirling my tongue around it. Roman lets out a low grumble before I slide him into my throat. Sucking, slurping, gagging I take him deep into my throat over and over again until he pulls me off of him. "Keep it up and I'm gonna come right now" He groans "And I want to enjoy you longer"

I flip over so that my ass is on full display for him "Enjoy me then" I coo. He slides himself into me, filling me deeply. Roman allows a second for my body to adjust before he begins moving. Quickly, so quickly. Over and over again he slams himself into me, filling the room with loud crashes and my whimpers. SMACK! His big hand connects with my ass. SMACK! "I love the way it moves" He groans. Quickly he grabs the back of my neck bringing our bodies closer together. His big rough hands wrap around my throat lightly. "Take a deep breath" He whispers in my ear and I obey. His hand tightens around my throat before he pounds me harder. "Good girl, you like that shit huh?" He moans into my ear. Stars line my vision before he lets go and I feel a high I've never felt before... Euphoria. "Do it again" I demand softly.

Roman lets out an almost evil chuckle "Deep breath" He says before wrapping his hand around my throat again. This time he lines my neck with soft bites and kisses, his pace slows as my clit swells with pleasure. Fuck! He releases his hand from my throat, forcing my chin up to his before planting a sloppy kiss on my lips. "Come in me" I moan "Please!" I need to feel his seed inside of me, I need all of him right here right now or I might die. "Since you asked so politely" He coos. One more stroke and I am at my peak, legs shaking as he reaches his. His warm thick seed coats me, spilling out onto my thigh as he continues pressing himself further and further into me. "Fuck! you feel so good" He moans, member twitching deep inside me. I could go over and over again with him until the sun rises. "You're even hotter with my hand around your neck" He grumbles before licking the side of my neck softly.

[jstarr86]

Credit to this fine ass muse and the idea randomly stumbling upon those gifs from night one of making Heymans nightmares.

She stood leaning one arm on the counter as she leaned towards the mirror trying to finish her makeup. Her half of the duel sink of the bathroom a cluttered mess of various hair and makeup items she’d used the past two hours while getting ready. She heard footsteps and felt the heat from his body. Bare feet basketball shorts, no shirt. She looked at him in the mirror as his head tilted and his dark eyes trailed over her frame

“Where you goin?” He gruffly asked. Voice a bit lower than normal.

“Out with a few of the girls, Rona invited me out.”

“Whatchu wearin?”

“My dress.”

“I know damn well you don’t think what you got on is a dress.” She rolled her eyes at him as he spoke and continued to line her lips. Nothing that different from her day to day, just a bit more sultry and smoky. His head tilted again as he looked her over. He wasn’t very happy that much was written in his body language, and she wasn't gonna lie and say him acting territorial and a bit jealous wasn’t sexy it was because he normally didn’t. Occasionally if a guy pushed up on her he’d do the normal can I help you shit or walk up and kiss her or something but never like this never a you can’t wear that. If anything his ego liked showing her off

“Yup.” She replied leaning back and slowly cleaning up the mess she’d made. She put everything up and grabbed perfume, one of the ones he liked the most. She watched his face twist up a bit as he sniffed the air.

“You wearing that perfume.” He grunted. She smirked shaking her head stepping around him and out of the bathroom stopping at the closet walking in her half as she grabbed the shoes she’d wanted to wear, a pair of strappy heels. She slipped them on bending and wrapping the band around her calf as she tied it hearing him behind her “you not going out looking like that.”

“I’m a grown woman.”

“Yeah you grown but you ain’t fixin walk out the door in that.”

“And exactly how is that for one and two you not gonna stop me three you ain’t my daddy and four I’m goin.” She went to move when his hand gripping her bicep in a firm yet gentle manner stopped her. eyes rising to meet his, an intensity in his eyes the small dark smirk sexy as fuck but that sent a shudder down her spine. Him looking all of the intimidating that he did week in and week out for work, only this time that predatory gaze was directed to her and it definitely had her feeling some kind of way. I

“You not leaving in that.”

“I’m going out, I'll be back later.” She challenged defiantly. He tilted his head looking over her, her bottom lip going between her teeth. She grabbed her purse and went to step around him when his hand stopped her making her head tilt as her eyes ran up his torso, his dyed beard those plump lips into those intense ass dark brown eyes that bore into hers anger and frustration in his face and eyes.

“You forget you not single anymore.” She rolled her eyes sarcastically holding up her left hand, the ring on her finger catching in the light.

“Does it look like I forgot I’m not single.” She gasped as she tried to move and got pressed into the wall, his hand against her collar bone and lightly on her neck.

“Now ain’t the time to be a smartass.”

“I know it’s the time for me to be leaving.” She pushed him as she walked out of the closet but shrieked as she was shoved towards their bed where she fell catching herself on her hands, his hand in her back keeping her down. “Man move.”

“You heard me.” She gasped when he roughly smacked her ass hands roughly rubbing the spot after. He muttered something but she couldn’t make it out; she couldn’t speak Tongan. A couple words or phrases but no where near the fluidity he could after all it was his first language. His fingers running up the back of her thigh until he reached the hem of the dress pushing it up over her ass as she heard him all but growl his hand grabbing a handful of her ass as he roughly kneaded the flesh. “Ass practically hanging out.” She moaned softly biting her lip as she moved her head glancing back at him a cocky smirk on his face, eyebrows knitted together, he was pissed but turned on. His fingers ghosting over the lace, that she knew was dampening by the minute with his aggression. He chuckled his eyes meeting hers, the annoyance clouded with lust. “Should’ve taken you while your sexy ass was bent over the counter.” She took a breathe as her mind betrayed her showing a mental image of him having her bent over their bathroom sink watching him in the mirror as he brought them both to ecstasy making her watch every little thing he was doing to her. Her hand hitting the mirror and sliding as she looked for something to ground her as he tried to put her into another world. It sounded sexy as fuck. “Wet as hell guess you liked that hmm.”

“Shut the fuck up.” She gasped as he slid inside her suddenly. When the hell did he even lower the shorts or boxer briefs enough.

“I’d tell you to shut up but I like the noises you make.” He grunted. The man fucked good, really good. Honestly it was more than good, always had been. He was the kind of man that had a woman worshiping whatever would listen after he dicked you down. Each stroke hitting her gspot and she swore she could feel him in her stomach that coupled with the way his hips rolled, he was going to make her cum so fast. His hand holding her hip one sliding up her back and holding her shoulder as his thrusts grew in power, where was the guy with the mortal Kombat voice ‘finish her’ cause this man was hitting all kinds of fatalities on the pussy. She moved her hand back trying to push his stomach to get him to ease up, her body overloading as she tried to find a way to fight off what he was making her feel. “Move ya damn hand.”

“Baby.” She whined

“Move ya-“ he stopped talking grabbing her wrist and pinning her arm behind her back as he used it as leverage.

“Ughh mmmm.” She moaned out

“Not so cute now with ya smartass are ya.” He grunted out between thrust. His hand moving from her shoulder and to her throat as he leaned her back against him. Thank god she was in heels cause other wise she don’t think she’d bend the way he currently had her arched back into him. “You sound so pretty moaning for me.”

“Baby.”

“Nah ain’t no baby. You gonna take all this dick like you was talkin all that shit.”

“Fuck.” She moaned out. Her free hand grabbing his forearm that was between her chest. Something to ground her and if it wasn’t him she’d be worried about falling or something but she knew in his arms she was safe.

“Feel so fucking good. You gonna cum.”

“Tama.” She hissed as he hit her ass hating when she said his ring name, she’d do it just to annoy him sometimes. His action made her moan out his cocky chuckle reverberating in her ear.

“What you call me.”

“I-mmmm fuck.”

“Yeah you did this just so I’d ravage ya ass hmm. Needed daddy hit that shit right.”

“Daddy.” She whined out her body shaking. He grunted straining and she felt his hand tighten slightly.

“Fuck.” He grunted “cummin all in daddy’s dick hmm, what you thinkin you bout honoring that and have every man all over you. Gonna have me killin a man.” His hips slamming into her a hard grind extenuating his thrust and letting her feel all of him every inch and vein as he laid claim to her body. Trying to put a new meaning to the term rearrange your guys because right now it felt like he was doing just that and so much more. Something that felt damn near foreign between work and parenthood. It seemed like either it was a quickie and a stolen moment or they’d be interrupted if they even made it that far. She tried to press back against him but he damn near made it impossible “feel so good around me.” She came shaking but he didn’t stop, if anything her orgasm seemed to fuel him as he pounded into her harder and faster sending her sensitive body into overdrive. She practically collapsed on the bed as he roughly fucked her into another orgasm before rolling her over. She knew she had to look fucked out hair a mess and she probably had mascara at the least running down her face.

“Pate.”

“I like the dress but you can’t wear that without me.” He tugged it mouth finding her nipples as he slid back inside her as she gasped her nails raking his chest as he bent forward her legs going over his shoulders as he pounded into her. Like he was branding her pussy with his dick

“Shit maybe I should dress like that more if this is what I get- shit.” She yelled out as he moved his head biting the inside of her thigh.

“I fuck you feel my so good you gonna cum again baby.”

“Yes!” Her head fell back as she arched into him “Alipate.” She moaned out in a drawn out moan as she came her nails raking down his back as he grunted in pain his hips moving faster as he chased his own nut

“Fuck take this dick.”

“Ahh.” She moaned out again his orgasm making a mini one slam into her, his head in her neck kissing and sucking gently. His hips slowing in their movements.

“You ok.”

“Mm fuck I hate you.” She laughed out

“Nah you dont. You love daddy and his dick.” She rolled her eyes as he moved them to lay better in the bed. She sat up tossing the dress that had been bunched around her waist. Her phone ringing in her purse, easily Sarona or one of the girls seeing where she was. He leaned over grabbing it as he held her ankle untying the heels on ger feet before dropping them on the floor.

“Hello, yeah she here. Nah she ain’t coming nowhere tonight. What you mean why? Yeah I’m serious she’s got a date with my dick she can have girls night some other night.” He hung up tossing the phone and laying with her

“You didn’t just say that.”

“I did and it’s true. You still wanna go.”

“No.” She replied yawning as he smirked

“Yeah done knocked that ass out with the dick.”

“You didn’t win this argument.” She muttered, closing her eyes. His fingers trailing her spine and his heartbeat in her ear was making her sleepy.

“Oh I definitely won.” He replied kissing her head as his free hand cradled her thigh to him as he let himself fall asleep satisfied he’d gotten his way and her to himself. The red dress that drove him insane a heap of clothing on the floor he’d pick up when he woke up but not until after he had her again

[heyybaejjk]

MODERN AO'NUNG HCS PT. 2 — SAMOAN!FEM READER

pairing. human!ao'nung x samoan!fem reader

summary. just Ao'nung with a Samoan girlfriend

warnings. swearing

a/n. for my polynesian babes wherever yall at ❤️

masterlist. pt. 1 pt. 3

AAPI month and Samoan Independence day have passed and I think of this idea NOW 😭☠️ out of all times wtf

BUT ITS SUNDAY AND STILL SAMOAN LANGUAGE WEEK ‼️

But idc 🧍‍♀️

Gotta do what I gotta do because I am not letting ts go

I love my culture, just like anyone else does, I'm still learning more about it so I researched and placed some of my own knowledge into this.

Aiuli - Participants who dance and cheer around a solo performer as they dance. Participants are never allowed to dance and cheer in front of the performer, only from behind them.

Taualaga - A performance, importantly the last, to close off an event. Mainly done by a solo female performer. Some are allowed to have people in the back while they Aiuli, some just rather have a solo performance.

"WHAT?" he screams in the middle of class, causing everyone to glance at him.

It was supposed to be a surprise, really. But your ass accidentally slipped out the fact that you were going to perform a cultural dance on Multicultural Day that was coming in a few weeks.

He would definitely try to Aiuli when you dance.

No questions asked.

Although he doesn't know how to properly dance the traditional way, he'll look around and copy the actions of the other pupils.

You both are heavy on learning each other's culture, so when he forgets a certain thing, he goes to your cousins to ask for help

"Wait so- I can't ae-oo-lee in front of her?" Ao'nung poorly pronounces, a slight dark tint on his cheeks as he scratches the back of his neck.

"Never. Always stay behind her, or whoever is doing the solo," a boy says with his arms folded against his chest. "If you see people giving money during the dance, don't throw it at her while cheering. Be respectful and softly stick to her arms, they're gonna be covered with oil, anyway. If you can't do that, put it on the ground behind her.

"Right, right..." Ao'nung frantically jots down as the latter continues to speak.

On the day of your dance, he gets so confused when he sees people swarming around, especially in front of you. He will literally stand there like 🧍‍♀️???

But doesn't copy the others as he sees his friend from earlier who told him what not to do, cheering from behind. He smiles warmly before sticking noted bills onto your oiled arms. Kissing your cheek slyly before going back to his position.

"Alu ai gi ou kae."

Bro got slapped. Not too hard, but hard enough to know that he said something wrong.

"Ow! Baby, what was that for?" He holds his cheek, rubbing it softly. Slightly pouting while looking down at your shorter figure. Quite dramatically because you felt like all you did was tap his cheek.

"Why did you say that for?" You looked up at him with your nose scrunched.

"I asked Vika how to say "wanna kiss?" I asked him an hour ago so my pronunciation wasn't that horrible." He sulks. You roll your eyes before cupping his face, leaving kisses all over his cheeks, nose and forehead. "Yeah well, you just told me to go eat shit. Vika's Tongan, you idiot. He only knows the swear words."

i wanted to write sm more but i rather keep this short LOLOL.

[manakonemaia]

Fakaleo Tonga

My niece in her Tongan attire for Tongan language week this year.

I think what I like about this is my niece is pictured in front of her grandparents house so theres something a little more special about the location.

Secondly I enjoyed editing these images.

I do not have close ties to our Tongan heritage from my nanas side but i still enjoy and admire when our family do embrace it.

Till this day Tongan Taolunga is my favourite dance of all time. Grace and skill.

[roamanddiscover]

Tonga

Welcome to our guide to Tonga, a beautiful island nation located in the South Pacific. Tonga offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and exciting activities to enjoy. It consists of 169 islands, 36 of which are inhabited, and is divided into three main island groups: Tongatapu in the south, Ha'apai in the central region and Vava'u in the north. One of the unique aspects of Tonga is its name, which means "south" in the local language. The country is also known as the "Friendly Islands," a name given to it by Captain Cook, thanks to the amicable and welcoming nature of the Tongan people. Tonga is an archipelago created by millions of years of volcanic activity. The islands' geology varies, with some made of volcanic rock and others consisting of coral formations. The active volcanic island of Tofua is one of the main geologic attractions in the country, offering visitors the chance to witness an active volcano up close. When it comes to geography, Tonga is a stunning destination. Its location in the South Pacific means that it's surrounded by crystal-clear waters with abundant marine life, making it an excellent place for diving and snorkeling. The beaches offer white sand and turquoise seas, and the vegetation is lush and verdant. In addition to its natural beauty, Tonga boasts unique ecosystems and a rich biodiversity. The country is home to numerous endemic species, including birds, plants, and reptiles. The surrounding waters are equally diverse and are home to many marine mammals, including humpback whales, which migrate to Tonga's waters every year. The climate in Tonga is tropical with two distinct seasons: the wet season, which runs from November to April, and the dry season, which runs from May to October. Despite being a tropical country, Tonga is not frequently affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and typhoons. Like many countries, Tonga faces environmental challenges, such as overfishing and deforestation. However, efforts are being made to address these issues, including implementing sustainable development practices that protect the environment. Tonga is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government, and it is also one of the last remaining Polynesian monarchies. The King of Tonga serves as the head of state, while the elected Prime Minister holds executive power. The economy is reliant on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. The tourism industry has been growing in recent years, with many visitors attracted to the natural beauty, unique culture, and exciting activities Tonga offers. Infrastructure in Tonga is relatively undeveloped, with limited transportation and communication options, but efforts are being made to improve this. Tonga has a developing science and technology sector, which is helping to advance the country's infrastructure. Tonga boasts a rich culture influenced by Polynesian and Melanesian traditions. Music and art are an integral part of Tongan culture, with traditional dances and crafts still practiced today. Religion is also an essential aspect of Tongan society, with Christianity being the dominant religion. Visitors to Tonga can enjoy a range of exciting activities, including diving, snorkeling, hiking, and cultural experiences such as traditional dancing and weaving. There are also several beautiful cities to explore, such as the capital, Nuku'alofa, and many stunning attractions to visit, such as Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon, which is thought to be over 1,000 years old. Tonga's food and drink are unique, with a focus on fresh seafood, taro, and coconuts. Visitors should try traditional dishes such as 'ota ika, a raw fish salad with coconut milk, and lu pulu, taro leaves cooked in coconut cream and meat. If you're planning a trip to Tonga, it's helpful to know that there are several flights to and from Tonga every week, and a range of accommodation options from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Tonga's global image is one that celebrates its natural beauty and friendly people. It has been featured in several films and TV shows, including 'Moana,' the 2016 Disney animated movie. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you an idea of what makes Tonga such a remarkable destination. From its unique geology to its rich culture and stunning scenery, Tonga is a tropical paradise that is not to be missed.

Etymology

Tonga, officially known as the Kingdom of Tonga, is a Polynesian country located in the South Pacific. The name "Tonga" is believed to have originated from the word "tongiaki," which means "southwards." The name may have come from the direction in which the country was discovered or the direction of the trade winds that brought early settlers to the country. The name "Tonga" has also been attributed to the legendary founder of the country, the demigod Maui. According to legend, Maui fished up the islands from the ocean and named the largest island Tonga-iti, which means "little south." This island was later renamed Tonga-tapu, which means "sacred south," becoming the site of the country's capital city Nuku'alofa. In Tongan culture, the name of a person or place carries great importance and significance. The meaning and history behind a name is often passed down through generations, providing a connection to the past and a sense of identity within the community.

History

Tonga has a rich and fascinating history that dates back more than 3,000 years. According to legend, the first settlers arrived on the islands from Samoa in the 4th century BC. Tonga is the only Pacific island nation that has never been colonized, and it has a long tradition of self-rule. The first European visitor to Tonga was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who arrived in 1643. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Tonga was ruled by a powerful king, Taufa'ahau, who united the islands and established a monarchy that continues to this day. During the 19th century, Tonga became an important center of trade and commerce in the Pacific. The islands were visited by whalers, traders, and missionaries, and in 1875, Tonga became a British protectorate. Tonga maintained its independence and continued to rule itself internally, but it was obligated to conduct its foreign relations through the British government. In 1900, Tonga became a British protectorate, but it was not until 1970 that it gained full independence and became the Kingdom of Tonga. The country has experienced significant social and economic development in recent years, but it has also faced a number of challenges, including political unrest and natural disasters. Tonga has a fascinating cultural heritage that is reflected in its traditional arts, music, and dance. The country is particularly famous for its Tongan wooden carvings, which are highly prized by collectors around the world. Traditional Tongan ceremonies, such as the tapa cloth-making ceremony, are also an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Today, Tonga is a thriving and dynamic country with a unique history and culture. In recent years, the government has made significant investments in infrastructure and education, and the country is considered a leader in the Pacific in terms of social and economic development. Tonga's rich history and cultural heritage continue to attract visitors from around the world, who come to explore the country's ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture.

Geology

Tonga is a volcanic archipelago with a unique and complex geological history. The country is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means that it is situated in an area prone to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tectonic activity. Tonga consists of approximately 170 islands, of which only 36 are inhabited, and these islands are located on the Tonga Ridge, which is a volcanic arc formed by subduction processes. The geology of Tonga is characterized by volcanic activity, which has shaped the islands over millions of years. Many of the islands are formed from a mixture of volcanic ash and coral, which has resulted in the creation of limestone formations. The coral reefs are a significant geological feature of Tonga, and they are the foundation for much of the country's biodiversity. The reefs are home to a vast array of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Tonga also has a number of extinct and active volcanoes. The most prominent of these are the islands of Tofua and Kao, which are both active stratovolcanoes. The country also has a number of underwater volcanoes, which contribute to the geological complexity of the region. In addition to volcanic activity, Tonga has a number of other geological features, including caves and sinkholes. The 'Anahulu Cave System' is the most well-known of the country's caves, and it is a popular tourist attraction. The cave system consists of two limestone caves that are connected by an underground river. Another notable geological feature is the 'Marble Arch', which is a natural arch formed from limestone and located on the island of Tongatapu. the geology of Tonga is incredibly diverse and complex, shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and erosive processes. The islands' geological features contribute significantly to its unique natural environment, which is home to many rare and endemic species. Visitors to Tonga can explore these geological formations through activities such as hiking, cave exploration, and diving, allowing them to experience the country's ancient and fascinating geological history firsthand.

Geography

Tonga is a Polynesian country in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of 169 islands, of which 36 are inhabited. The islands are divided into three main groups: Tongatapu, Ha'apai, and Vava'u. Tongatapu is the largest and most populated island, and it is also where the capital, Nuku'alofa, is located. The islands of Tonga are volcanic in origin, and most are elevated with steep cliffs and surrounded by coral reefs. The highest point is on Kao Island, which rises 1,030 meters above sea level. The country's total land area is just over 747 square kilometers, and it extends over an ocean area of approximately 700,000 square kilometers. The waters around Tonga are some of the clearest in the world, with visibility reaching up to 40 meters. The country is known for its rich marine life, including whales, dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish species. The waters also contain several deep-sea trenches, including the Tonga Trench, which is the second-deepest trench in the world. The islands of Tonga are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is an area where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. As a result, Tonga experiences occasional earthquakes and volcanic activity, and visitors to the islands are advised to be aware of this. The climate of Tonga is tropical with warm temperatures throughout the year. The rainy season is from November to April, and the dry season is from May to October. Cyclones are a common occurrence during the wet season, and visitors are advised to keep an eye on weather reports during this time. The islands of Tonga are a popular tourist destination, and their beauty is renowned worldwide. With their pristine beaches, clear waters, and unique geological features, they are a must-visit for any avid traveler.

Ecology

Tonga is a beautiful country, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The country has a diverse ecology and natural environment, largely due to its unique geological features. Tonga is composed of over 170 islands, most of which are coral atolls or volcanic islands. The country's geography is characterized by stunning beaches, lagoons, and reefs, which are home to a multitude of marine species. The ecology of Tonga is diverse and ranges from subtropical rainforests to coral reefs and coastal mangroves. The country has a range of ecosystems that support numerous plant and animal species. The coral reefs, in particular, are rich in biodiversity, making them popular dive sites. The reefs serve as habitats for an array of marine life such as tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. The Tongan government has implemented measures aimed at preserving the country's environment and ecosystems. One such initiative is the creation of national parks and protected areas, which safeguard the country's rare and endangered species. The marine protected areas are especially important as they help to conserve Tonga's coral reefs and their associated marine life. The country's flora and fauna are also noteworthy. The tropical rainforest is home to a broad range of plant species such as banyan trees, coconut palms, and pandanus shrubs. The rainforest is an essential ecological system that supports an array of birds, insects, and smaller mammals. Some of the notable animal species found in Tonga include the Tongan fruit bat, flying fox, and native birds like the white-tailed tropicbird and the Tongan whistler. Tonga's natural environment is susceptible to various environmental challenges that threaten its ecosystems. These challenges include deforestation, coastal degradation, coral bleaching, and pollution. The country has taken steps to address these issues by implementing regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable farming practices, and reducing pollution in rivers and coastal areas. Tonga's ecology and natural environment are breathtakingly beautiful and are crucial to the country's identity. Tonga's government has implemented measures to conserve and protect the country's flora, fauna, and unique ecosystems. Visitors to Tonga can enjoy the country's natural wonders while also contributing to the efforts to preserve them.

Biodiversity

Tonga is a treasure trove of biodiversity. The region's oceanic location and geological history have given rise to countless unique species that can only be found in this part of the world. The country is home to over 300 species of reef-building corals, 18 species of land mammals, and over 200 species of birds, including the critically endangered Tongan megapode. Tonga's isolation from other land masses has allowed a range of endemic plants and animals to evolve, making the country an important site for conservation. One of the most notable marine creatures found in Tonga is the humpback whale. The warm, shallow waters around the islands provide the perfect breeding and calving grounds for humpback whales, and Tonga is one of the few places in the world where they can be seen up close. The country is also a hub for deep-sea fish, and visitors can spot a variety of unique fish species while diving or snorkeling. On land, Tonga is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The forests of the islands are home to many endemic bird species, including the Tongan whistler and the Tongan ground dove. In addition, Tonga is known for its fruit bats, which play a key role in pollination and seed dispersal for many plant species. Despite the country's small size and low population, Tonga faces a number of conservation challenges. Overfishing and habitat destruction threaten many marine and terrestrial species, and invasive species such as feral cats and rats pose a major threat to native populations. Fortunately, the government and various non-governmental organizations are working to protect Tonga's rich biodiversity through various conservation initiatives and education programs. Tonga's unique biodiversity is part of what makes it such a special destination for travelers and nature lovers. From swimming with humpback whales to exploring the forests and reefs, visitors have the opportunity to witness a rare and remarkable ecosystem that is unlike any other in the world.

Humpback whale

Climate

Tonga's climate is characterized by tropical weather patterns and seasonal variations. The country enjoys a warm and humid climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) on average. The climate can be divided into two main seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season runs from November to April and is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. During this time, tropical cyclones and storms can occur, bringing strong winds and torrential downpours. The wet season is also the hottest time of the year, with temperatures reaching their peak in February and March. The dry season runs from May to October and is characterized by cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels. The dry season is the most popular time for tourists to visit as the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. Temperatures during this time average around 25°C (77°F). It is important to note that Tonga is located in the South Pacific Cyclone Belt, making it susceptible to tropical cyclones and storms during the wet season. Visitors should pay attention to weather warnings and take necessary precautions during this time. The ocean currents around Tonga have a significant impact on the climate. The warm South Equatorial Current flows through the country, keeping the water warm and supporting a diverse marine ecosystem. The cooler Tonga Trench Current flows along the eastern coast of the country, bringing cooler water and contributing to the seasonal variations. In addition to its warm and humid climate, Tonga is also known for its clear blue skies and stunning sunsets. Visitors can enjoy many water-based activities year-round, such as swimming, diving, and sailing. Tonga's climate is characterized by tropical weather patterns, with a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Visitors should be aware of the risk of tropical cyclones and storms during the wet season and take necessary precautions. The warm ocean currents surrounding Tonga support a diverse marine ecosystem and provide excellent opportunities for water-based activities year-round.

Environmental issues

Tonga, like many other countries, faces environmental challenges that threaten the well-being of its people and its natural resources. Some of the key environmental issues facing Tonga include deforestation, soil erosion, and the overexploitation of marine resources. Deforestation is a major issue in Tonga, as it is in many other countries in the Pacific region. The practice of logging has led to the loss of much of Tonga's native forest, which has negatively impacted the country's agrarian society. Deforestation has also led to soil erosion, which is a serious problem in Tonga. Soil erosion has decreased the fertility of Tonga's soil, making it harder for farmers to grow crops. Overfishing is another environmental issue facing Tonga. The waters around the country are home to a diverse array of marine life, including tuna, marlin, and shrimp. However, overfishing has led to a decline in many of these species, which has had negative economic and ecological impacts. In addition, the use of unsustainable fishing practices, such as dynamite and cyanide fishing, has further exacerbated the problem. Read the full article

[keyerrasthoughts]

These opinions are solely my own, and do not reflect the opinions of Peace Corps or the United States government.

Hi everyone,

It’s been about two months since being back in Tonga so I thought now would be a good time to update everyone on how things are going. Just to get caught up I returned to Tonga in late March after a very intensive and stressful medical check. I’ll save you the details, but there were times I didn’t think I‘d be able to return to finish my service. Fortunately, I was wrong and was able to return in late March with 3 other volunteers from my previous group. We had 10 days of training on the main island of Tongatapu in a village called Hoi. We stayed with host families during that time. And then we were sent to our sites. I’m now off of the main island, on a nearby smaller island. For security reasons I’m not sure how much we can share about our specific site locations so I will stay intentionally vague. But the majority of this will be about my experience so far at site. And to quote a movie that I quite enjoyed Avatar: The Way of Water “her heartbeat is mighty.”

This is not the same site I had when I first came here to Tonga, though I have every intention of visiting my previous site while I am here. And they are so different, my previous site from my current site. I am working as an English Teacher at a Government Primary School. It’s been great! Me and the other volunteer here, David, joke about how I hit the jackpot with my site placement. It’s a perfect fit in so many ways. I have mainly been working in the classroom with classes 3-6. Which is the same age group as our (American Education System) grades 3 - 6. The kids are the highlight of my day everyday. They are so sweet, fun, and eager to learn English which makes my job that much more easy and fun. I’m so lucky that my job is play games with my kiddos while continuing to fuel their desire to learn the English language.

I would like to highlight the relationship between the Peace Corps organization and individual communities here is fantastic and Peace Corps volunteers are treated with the upmost respect. While I’m so lucky and thankful this is the case, it means that I get a ton of attention. Which I love, but it poses a bit of a challenge because I actually feel the most comfortable taking up the least amount of space and attention. It’s been fun noticing my more introverted and quiet kiddos and community members because I relate so strongly to them. Within the larger community, I have been working with the older students enrolled in high schools with their English assignments. I’ve enjoyed working with them and seeing what they are studying. However, I always worry that I am not being helpful enough. See my Tongan is not great, and I’m super shy about using it. However, each time I’ve worked with students they seem to leave with the correct answers and a better understanding of the assignment or the information. It’s an area where I hope to grow in. I would say that is true for many areas of my service. I would love to grow in my ability and my confidence in: tutoring English, classroom management, and speaking Tongan. Those are just some of the areas off the top of my head.

I briefly mentioned my current struggles with speaking Tongan. I am learning the language from my host family, school kids, and a language learning book provided by Peace Corps. Also, I am taking language lessons twice a week from my principal after school. My goal is to learn as much Tongan as I can. I would love to be able to hold conversations in Tongan and understand what is being said in church. We’ll see what’s a manageable goal for how long I’ll be here. Right now, though, like I said my Tongan is not great.

Lastly, I want to talk about church as it is a huge part of my life right now. My mom and I joke that I go to church more here than I did in the States, which is absolutely the case. We go to church, on a typical week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6pm-ish, and Sunday. And on Sunday, there are 3 services. One at 6am, 10am, and 4pm. Though, I usually only attend the 10am and 4pm services. Actually, my first weekend here, at site, I attended an “Apitanga” which is essentially a church camp over 4 days and 3 nights. It was Easter themed, so there were multiple bible lessons, along with what we would call praise dance (action) practice. Also, those who chose to could sleep in the church hall. Which is like the church recreation building. It was so much fun and also so exhausting. But fundamentally the best integration tool I could have asked for. I met so many of the Wesleyan Church youth members. Some of which are students at the school where I work. Some, I would consider friends.

All in all, I’m doing fine. Life is good here in Tonga. The weather has started to cool off which I love, but everyone around me is saying it’s too cold. I have kids wearing coats to school in the morning. I do miss my family in the States. It made me a little sad to celebrate Mother’s and Father’s day here without my parents. But the news headlines that I randomly read don’t make me want to go back to the States. And it’s proven really difficult to explain why the US is such a mess when I’m asked by Tongans. I’m thankful to be here! I’m thankful for the family I’m gaining here. I’m thankful for Peace Corps that is allowing me to have a once in a lifetime experience twice now. I’m looking forward to the growth that I will obtain while being here. Thank you for reading this! I’m looking forward to writing more blog posts in the future.

Much love,

Keyerra (‘Ela)

PS: below is some music and things I’ve been listening to :)

Music:

If by Chance - Ruth B.

Body Ain’t Me - Pink Sweats

State of Grace - Taylor Swift

Liahona-Lanu Mata Hinehina by Peni Tonga ft. Nisha Recorsz

Podcast:

The Pivot Podcast ft Dawn Staley

[urbannesian]

TonganLanguageWeek #UrbanNesian

[pingvin-king]

Neongo e masiva ka kute manava'ofa tete fiefia pe

My Dad. [Translates as: Despite your many struggles and hardships, as long as you remain lighthearted / loving / kind will you always find happiness / be happy.]

[thesarahou]

Happy Tongan Language Week!! In New Zealand, not America because it's not like that. 🇹🇴🇹🇴🤟🏾🤟🏾

[petraswyvern]

For the wedding ask, Petrashe or ClaudePetra? (Or just any Petra ship you want, this is mostly a prompt for Brigid wedding custom hc's.)

I can do both UWU

I did a fair bit of research on Tongan weddings and wanted that to be reflected, as that is a Polynesian archipelago nation who was unjustly annexed 🙃

Petrashe:

Petra teaches Ashe all the Brigidian wedding prayers in advance, and to which spirits they ask for which blessings. He makes himself little flash cards to study in the weeks leading up to the wedding.

Petra’s family gives Ashe many gifts and Brigidian goods, as is tradition. Ordinarily, Ashe’s family would gift to Petra’s as well, but given the circumstances, the gifts given to Petra’s family come from Ashe’s closest friends (Dedue, Annette, Ingrid, and Mercedes) instead.

It is customary in Brigid for the bride to dance alone for a minute or so before having her first dance with her new spouse. Ashe very nearly forgets to get up and join her because he cannot stop staring in awe at Petra’s dance, transfixed by how comfortable and confident she looks, and only realizes he needs to get up and join her when he sees her reach her hand out to him.

The traditional wedding meal is a large game animal which is hunted by the spouses together the night before the wedding. Petra is a very good hunter, and even though she did almost all of the work, she talks a lot about how much effort Ashe put in hunting anyway.

Claudetra:

This takes. A VERY long time. It’s a royal wedding, after all! Almyran weddings are week-long affairs, and they decide to travel Fodlan together on wyvern’s backs from Almyra to Brigid so that they can have some couple-time between their two wedding ceremonies.

Even though the nations themselves are not unified by the marriage—they want each nation to be independent—they divide their time between the two lands, and promise the people to foster deeper friendships and cooperation between their lands. To that end, they host a cultural exchange event each year on the anniversary of their wedding, where Brigidians and Almyrans exchange presents, ideas, and the like.

Because they’re both wyvern riders, both weddings had novelty cups with wyvern wing-shaped handles as little wedding favors. Raphael shows everyone he knows.

They write their own vows and share them with one another in Brigidian, Fodlanese, and Almyran, to show their commitment and love for one another. Petra learns Almyran very quickly, and is a patient teacher to Claude while he learns her native language.

[cafeaulater]

okay wait actually im dying to know about ‘Ofa Lahi Atu—you’re so great with building culture into the hxh world and i need to know what this title MEANS

Omg thank you! I really appreciate that you think I do a good job a building culture into my writing 😁

So I hc Gon as Pacific Islander, specifically as Tongan. ‘Ofa Lahi Atu is Tongan for ‘I love you a lot’. I really wanted to write a fic exploring what it might look like with Killua visiting Gon’s home (sometimes I call it Tofua’amotu in stories I write, which literally means Whale Island) and experiencing the language and culture. 

I think a lot of the lifestyle would feel very strange for him, from the traditional dress (men traditionally wear what is called a tupenu, which is like a calf-length wrap skirt, with a mat over it wrapped around their waist) to the communal culture to, well, everything that very much contrasts with his upbringing with the Zoldycks. 

Tbh, it’s been a challenge incorporating everything that I want to in a way that will make sense to readers who have never heard of Tonga (and without sounding like a language or culture lesson). But I think I am slowly finding the balance!

Anyway, here is a cute snippet of what I have already:

Killua had made a habit of checking his phone constantly for translations, making sure to utilize common phrases like “thank you” and “hello” and “can I help you” so they’d become habitual. 

But this time, even with his handy app, he was baffled. The word had been ‘moa’. Abe had said it multiple times when talking to Gon, and he’d heard his name mentioned along with it. They’d been talking about him. Mito had used it, too, with a bashful chuckle. Upon consulting his phone’s dictionary, he’d had no trouble finding the translation:

Moa - n. a chicken, either living or to be eaten (Na’a mau kai moa fakapaku. We ate fried chicken.)

Killua shoved his phone in his pocket, not upset, but mostly confused. What did it mean? Was it an insult? A joke? Something else? Mindlessly, his feet carried him around the small house, past Mito who was cooking in the kitchen, past Abe as she wove on the porch, and straight to the back yard where Gon was sitting near Mito’s garden.

Gon let out a shameless squeaking noise as Killua approached him. “Killua, you look so pretty!” he exclaimed. 

Killua’s blush was red enough to rival the flowers around his neck. Gon eyed the necklace with a grin, pointing at an almost identical one that he was sporting with his floral green shirt. “We match!” Gon’s grin was so wide that Killua worried it might get stuck. He opened his mouth to say as much, but then Gon continued. “Abe made these for us from the heilala tree.” He pointed at a small tree by Mito’s garden. “They’re the flowers of royalty.”

“I- er… is it okay for me to wear this?” Killua asked lamely, suddenly struck with the fear that he was crossing a line.

In two long strides, Gon was in front of him with a comforting arm on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Killua. Abe wouldn’t have made them if it was inappropriate. We wear them for special occasions, like for the feast tonight, but there are certain patterns for making them that are for the nobles only.” Gon’s arm shifted from Killua’s shoulder to hovering over his heart, touching the necklace gently as a thoughtful expression settled on his face. Killua wondered with horror if Gon could register his pounding heart from this proximity. “Plus,” Gon added softly, “you look so beautiful with it.”

Killua squirmed, biting back his usual response of how embarrassing Gon was. Instead, he said what was really on his mind. “As beautiful as a chicken,” he muttered before he could stop himself.

Gon’s eyes widened with an unasked question, then he muffled a laugh in his palm. “What does that mean?” The sentence barely made it out between his childish giggles.

“Don’t think I didn’t hear you and Abe gossiping earlier,” Killua grumbled as he plopped down onto the ground, adjusting his skirt carefully so he could sit cross legged. 

Gon was laughing harder now. “Wha- ahaha what are you talking about?”

“Oh, come off of it, already. You and Abe kept saying my name and the word moa. I know that means chicken! I’m just saying what I heard…” he trailed off, crossing his arms over his chest with a huff. 

Immediately, Killua wished he hadn’t said anything because Gon was laughing so hard the younger of the two was genuinely concerned that he might not be getting any oxygen. 

“Killuaaaa,” Gon guffawed, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye as he doubled over on himself.

“Geez, idiot, breathe!”

A deep breath in, disrupted by another laugh, an uneven breath out, followed by a deeper, calmer breath in. “Killua,” Gon whispered, clearly trying very hard to not lose himself to laughter again. “Moa means chicken, but it’s also a slang word.”

Ah. Yeah, English to Tongan dictionaries weren’t great for learning colloquialisms… Killua’s ears burned under tufts of white hair, ashamed that he’d even brought it up.

“Boyfriend.”

Killua’s head snapped up to meet a gentle, golden stare. Gon’s hands joined his own, which he’d folded in his lap. He nearly shuddered as Gon’s thumb stroked the back of his hand, leaving in its wake a trail of warmth that Killua secretly wished would never fade away. 

“Moa,” Gon said again, “it means boyfriend.”

It was uncommon between the two of them for Killua to be the one to short circut, and yet, his mind was suddenly buzzing with something equally comforting and annoying.

“Wait,” he began, slowly. “Then… are we? I mean… er-” Killua cleared his throat, glancing to the grass to his right. 

“We can be. Y’know… if Killua wants…” One of Gon’s hands left Killua’s lap to rub the back of his neck. “Abe and Mito have been teasing me about it all week. I didn’t want to make a big deal or talk to you about it if it made you uncomfortable, but…” his voice trailed off, leaving the wonderful but mortifying question hanging in the air.

“Of course I do, you idiot,” Killua muttered. Then, without thinking, he leaned forward and kissed Gon’s stupid slaphappy grin off of his face.

[manakonemaia]

NANA LIU

This was very spurr of the moment - I decided to photgraph my nana while she was waiting for her ride to go to her weekly community group.

On Mondays my nana attends the Fiola Group which is specifically organised for the Niue elderly people. Here she is ready for their Tongan language week celebrations. This photo is very fitting because my Nana's grandmother is full Tongan. So although we are not familiar with our Tongan heritage my nana still considers herself a Tongan as well in honour of her grandmother.

The strip of photos with my nana looking at the time is very much my nana. She is forever saying everyone is late lmao even though shes just super early for everything.

The images were taken in the morning around 9am so the lighting was kind to us. I tried to experiment with the ISO and aperture for taking this. I have found that I have a preference for a WB at 5000K minimum. I enjoy shooting my images in that setting.

[ich-bin-der-baer]

Linguistic Diversity Challenge [4/4] Niuean

What is the language called in English and the language itself? The Language is called Niuean in English and ko e vagahau Niuē in Niuean itself.

Where is the language spoken? Niuean is spoken in Niue, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tonga.

How many people speak the language?  The total number of speakers is around 8000, with 1600 speakers in Niue and the rest in other countries.

Which language family does it belong to? What are some of its relative languages? Niuean belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup of Austronesian languages. It is most closely related to Tongan.

What writing system does the language use? Niuean is written in the Latin script. 

More Info: (Wikipedia) (Wikivoyage) Niuean phrasebook (Youtube) Street Talk - Niue Language Week, Niuean Language Week 2020