Spring Semester Party!

It's hard to believe that another session has come to an end here at the Maui Language Institute. To end the semester with a bang, we had another one of our famous potluck parties. As usual, we were treated to an array of delicious food from all around the world. Some of our students also provided us with wonderful entertainment showcasing their amazing talents. Many of the students also got to try Twinkies for the first time. However, it was met with mixed reviews. But we all had a lot of fun and made lots of great memories.


We also had to say goodbye to a few students who completed our program. Whenever we have to say goodbye to someone special in our lives, I am reminded of a quote from the American author Richard Bach: "Don't be dismayed by goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

Guess what time it is? That's right, it's time for a brand-new Pidgin English lesson! If you have been keeping up with each lesson, then you already know some useful words that you can use in your daily conversations.


In this blog, I would like to talk about my favorite subject...food! In Hawaii, the backbone of our local cuisine is something called "plate lunch." A plate lunch is a set meal that usually includes a main entrée (beef, pork, fish, etc.), two scoops of white rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. Nowadays, there are many different variations that can be found throughout restaurants in Hawaii. There are plate lunches with green salad instead of macaroni salad (for the health conscience), plate lunches with mashed potatoes, and even plate lunches with ethnic side dishes like kimchee (Korean fermented vegetables), sunomono (Japanese vinegared salads), and sushi.

A standard way to order food in English is to say something like "I would like a ______ please." Or "I'll take a/the ________ please." In Pidgin English, this phrase can be translated as "I like one _______." Let's take a look at a sample conversation using this phrase.

Employee at McDonalds: Hi, what can I get for you today?
Michael: Hi, I like one hamburger and one diet coke please.

Translation:
Employee at McDonald's: Hi, what can I get for you today?
Michael: Hi, I would like a hamburger and a diet coke please.

A little warning about using this phrase. The way you say this phrase and the tone you use is very important. If you are ordering something in a restaurant or are asking someone to give you something, this phrase should be said in a polite tone.

Here is one last word that many people already know, but it is definitely a good one to remember.

Mahalo or Mahalos - Thank you, Thanks!

Jack: Hey I just when bake some cookies, you like try some?
Nick: Oh yea, mahalos! Ho, some ono!

Translation:
Jack: Hey I just baked some cookies, you want to try some?
Nick: Hey thanks! Wow it's super delicious!

Well everyone, we have come to the end of another blog. But don't worry, we'll be back again soon with more updates. So until next time, take care and mahalo!