linguistics | University of Hawai驶i System News /news News from the 东精影业 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:39:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg linguistics | University of Hawai驶i System News /news 32 32 28449828 Shall we dance? 1-2-3 national championships for UH ballroom dance team /news/2026/04/07/ballroom-dance-national-champs-2026/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:39:19 +0000 /news/?p=231793 The club was formed in September 2022, and the team also took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

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people standing and smiling
2026 东精影业 Mānoa Nationals Team (Photo credit: Synthia Sumukti)

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ballroom dance team won its third consecutive national title at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27–29.

two people dancing
Alexander Picken and D’Elle Martin in the American Smooth style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)

Competing against 37 colleges, 东精影业 Mānoa once again took first place for “highest point average,” as well as a close second place for the overall team championship, asserting its place among the nation鈥檚 top ballroom dance college teams. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires most team members to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers of the Ballroom Dance Club @东精影业M—a registered independent organization at 东精影业 Mānoa—are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti. Narayan and Sumukti also represented Hawaiʻi in the senior age division placing 1st in several events.

“We are no longer the underdogs, so all the other colleges are looking at us as the team to beat,” said Narayan, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the 东精影业 Mānoa . “The bar is getting raised higher and higher each year, but we prevailed once again. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our dancers who put in many hours to prepare for this competition. We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from the entire ballroom community in the state of Hawaiʻi.”

The Ballroom Dance Club @东精影业M was formed in September 2022, and the team took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

“Nationals was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me,” said Caleb Zerbe, who competed in the nationals for the first time. “Getting to see so many people dance and enjoy themselves on the floor made me realize how fun dancing can be, even at the highest stages. It was a moment that helped me build a lot of confidence, and one that I will never forget.”

Christopher Ramirez, who competed on all three victorious 东精影业 Mānoa teams, added, “Given the opportunity to compete at my third nationals, there is always something new to learn. Winning for the third year in a row has reminded me just how incredible it is to be a part of this team.”

Tough competition

NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.). Each student danced in up to 32 different events at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba, paso doble and jive).

two people dancing
ʻAulani Wagner and Kanaru Ebi in the International Latin style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)

Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some events. This trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as Hawaiʻi has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all 东精影业 Mānoa students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6—7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

two people dancing
Noah Asano and Amanda Kanthack in the International Latin style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, 东精影业 Mānoa Department of Athletics, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi, USA Dance Honolulu and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for facility and financial support.

东精影业 Mānoa 2026 nationals collegiate and adult team roster:

  • Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science), coach and alumnus
  • Synthia Sumukti, coach and alumna
  • ʻAulani Wagner, library science and American studies
  • Alexander Picken, Earth science
  • Amanda Kanthack, psychology and Japanese
  • Caleb Zerbe, computer science
  • Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
  • Christopher Wright, electrical engineering
  • Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
  • D’Elle Martin, architecture
  • Elijah Saloma, computer science
  • Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
  • Hannah Madiam, kinesiology
  • Iris Calauan, pre-nursing
  • Jonathan Bona, civil engineering
  • Julietta Lopez, architecture
  • Kanaru Ebi, psychology
  • Karl Merritt, mechanical engineering
  • Luis Hernandez, electrical and computer engineering
  • Lyndsey Moku, political science
  • Maya Ito, psychology
  • Michaella Villanueva, computer science
  • Noah Asano, computer science
  • Samantha Reed, computer science
  • Shaelyn Loo, computer science
  • Tessa Heidkamp, journalism and political science
  • Andrew Lin, computer science alumnus
  • Sydney Kim, computer science alumna
  • Jason Aguda, computer engineering alumnus
  • Matthew Rummel, political science and business alumnus
  • Ariel Ramos, cinematic arts animation alumna
  • Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science alumnus
  • Wilson Tran, computer science alumnus
  • Florence Liu, faculty, mathematics

Luis Hernandez and Maya Ito dancing the American Cha-cha in the Collegiate Team Match where 东精影业 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Elijah Saloma and Michaella Villanueva dancing the International Quickstep in the Collegiate Team Match where 东精影业 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti dancing the Mambo in the Senior IV American Rhythm Championship final. (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Students cheering for their coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

two people dancing
Alexander Picken and Shaelyn Loo in the International Latin style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)
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Global recognition for UH Mānoa: 14 programs shine in new rankings /news/2026/03/25/qs-subject-rankings-2026/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:01:35 +0000 /news/?p=231221 The 2026 edition analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs taken by students at more than 1,700 universities.

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U H Manoa students walking

Fourteen University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa academic subjects were ranked among the world鈥檚 best in the 2026 , released on March 25.

Four subjects placed in the top 22 in the nation and top 100 in the world. Leading the way was geology (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), geophysics (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), Earth and marine sciences (No. 21 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world) and linguistics (No. 22 in the U.S. and No. 61 in the world).

Ten additional subjects placed in the world鈥檚 top 2% (within top 500 in the world out of ):

  • English language and literature: No. 28 U.S., No. 101–150 world
  • Agriculture and forestry: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • Anthropology: No. 31 U.S., No. 101–200 world
  • Modern languages: No. 41 U.S., No. 251–300 world
  • Environmental sciences: No. 66 U.S., No. 351–400 world
  • Communication and media studies: No. 68 U.S., No. 251–275 world
  • Physics and astronomy: No. 70 U.S., No. 401–450 world
  • Education: No. 78 U.S., No. 351–400 world
  • Medicine: No. 99 U.S., No. 451–500 world
  • Biological sciences: No. 100 U.S., No. 451–500 world

“These rankings highlight the exceptional work and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” 东精影业 Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “They showcase the university鈥檚 global standing and reinforce that 东精影业 Mānoa offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”

东精影业 Mānoa was ranked in three broad subject areas and 14 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs by asking academic experts to nominate universities based on their subject area of expertise), employer reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs among employers), research citations per paper (measures the impact and quality of the scientific work done by institutions, on average per publication), H-index (measures both the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or scholar) and international research network (measure of an institution鈥檚 success in creating and sustaining research partnerships with institutions in other locations).

The 2026 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world.

Other rankings

东精影业 Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

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Sign language students expand access at UH 惭腻苍辞补 games /news/2026/03/17/sign-language-students-expand-access-at-uh-manoa-games/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:00:52 +0000 /news/?p=230801 American Sign Language students at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 will sign the national anthem, cheerleader chants, and the university鈥檚 fight song at games.

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Students flashing shaka at the Stan Sheriff Center
ASL volunteer signers Pumehana Holmes and Sabrina Gill

At University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 athletic events, a new group of volunteers is helping more fans feel part of the crowd.

Students signing in class
Growing demand for ASL courses at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 has led to waitlists

(ASL) students, with the guidance of experts from the Deaf and Native Hawaiian communities, are partnering with to sign the national anthem, cheerleader chants, and the university鈥檚 fight song at games. The effort gives Deaf and hard of hearing spectators a way to experience moments many fans take for granted in a state where demand for ASL services far outpaces the number of interpreters.

ASL volunteer signer Pumehana Holmes, an major who grew up with two Deaf parents, says the goal is simple: making sure Deaf fans feel included.

“I hope that the Deaf community is able to see themselves and see them being supported and that they鈥檙e not invisible in the crowd but are wanted in the crowd,” Holmes said.

Holmes has been signing since she was very young. Her mother, Christine Holmes, is an ASL instructor at .

Today, she is among a group of students helping expand access at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 games. It鈥檚 the first known partnership of its kind between ASL students and the athletics department. Students volunteer their time to stand alongside cheerleaders and performers, translating the energy of sporting events into sign language.

Instructor signing at the front of.a class
Tomita conducts an activity with her students

State shortage

The effort also reflects a broader need across the state. Hawaiʻi faces a critical shortage of ASL interpreters. According to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, there are approximately 2,800 ASL users in Hawaiʻi and an estimated 500 visitors each day who rely on interpreting services.

There are currently about 30 ASL interpreters across all the Hawaiian Islands. Only 23 are credentialed by the State of Hawaiʻi, with a handful of others holding national credentials.

To help address this gap, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 has already expanded ASL coursework and is planning to expand interpreter training opportunities for students interested in the field.

Personal connection

student signing

For fellow student volunteer Sabrina Gill, the experience also helps build awareness among hearing fans.

“Having student interpreter volunteers and interpreters are really important for building more access into our 东精影业 community, our 东精影业 games, but it鈥檚 also important for hearing people who might not know sign language just to have more visibility and awareness of sign language,” Gill said.

Gill is working toward her master鈥檚 degree in . She first took ASL as an elective but quickly developed a deep interest, continuing her studies through the advanced 302 level. She says the experience has fueled her passion for making spaces more accessible for everyone.

That work now includes interpreting one of the university鈥檚 most meaningful songs. The students perform a sign language interpretation of Hawaiʻi Pono驶墨, taught to them by 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 alumna Amber Lehano and 驶膧nela Lehano. The interpretation is believed to be the first standardized signing of the mele performed at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 games.

Expanding access

Several additional student volunteers are enrolled in ASL instructor Gisella Tomita鈥檚 classes. Tomita, who is one of three Deaf instructors of ASL at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, says moments like this can make a big difference for spectators who rely on sign language.

“It gives me access. It鈥檚 amazing,” Tomita said through an ASL interpreter. “You know events, sporting events, there鈥檚 a person who is speaking but where鈥檚 my ability to get that information? Where鈥檚 the ASL? I don鈥檛 really know what鈥檚 going on or being said. And these students are motivated. They wanna be up there and it just touches me.”

Growing demand

Interest in ASL at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 has surged in recent years. Enrollment has grown by 1,400% in six years, from 19 students in Spring 2019 to 265 in Fall 2025. Demand continues to exceed capacity, with long waitlists for courses.

A 2024 survey also found that 94% of ASL students are interested in pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in ASL-English interpreting.

Beginning in Fall 2026, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 will launch a new path for students, a standalone .

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Endangered languages AI tools developed by UH researchers /news/2025/09/05/endangered-languages-ai-tools/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 23:35:35 +0000 /news/?p=221439 东精影业 researchers created the first AI benchmark for endangered Austronesian languages, paving the way for more inclusive language technology.

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hand typing at laptop and icons across photo

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers have made a significant advance in studying how artificial intelligence (AI) understands endangered languages. This research could help communities document and maintain their languages, support language learning and make technology more accessible to speakers of minority languages.

The paper by Kaiying Lin, a PhD graduate in from 东精影业 Mānoa, and Assistant Professor Haopeng Zhang, introduces the first benchmark for evaluating large language models (AI systems that process and generate text) on low-resource Austronesian languages. The study focuses on three Formosan (Indigenous peoples and languages of Taiwan) languages spoken in Taiwan—Atayal, Amis and Paiwan—that are at risk of disappearing.

Using a new benchmark called FORMOSANBENCH, Lin and Zhang tested AI systems on tasks such as machine translation, automatic speech recognition and text summarization. The findings revealed a large gap between AI performance in widely spoken languages such as English, and these smaller, endangered languages. Even when AI models were given examples or fine-tuned with extra data, they struggled to perform well.

“These results show that current AI systems are not yet capable of supporting low-resource languages,” Lin said.

Zhang added, “By highlighting these gaps, we hope to guide future development toward more inclusive technology that can help preserve endangered languages.”

The research team has made all datasets and code publicly available to encourage further work in this area. The , and the study has been accepted into the in Suzhou, China, an internationally recognized premier AI conference.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 , and the Department of Linguistics is housed in 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 .

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东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Ballroom Dance Club defends national title /news/2025/04/10/ballroom-dance-club-defends-title/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 20:20:57 +0000 /news/?p=213729 This was just the second year the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 team competed at the national competition since the formation of the club in September 2022.

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people standing and smiling for a photo

The Ballroom Dance Club at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 defended its national championship at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 28–30.

two people dancing
Michaella Villanueva and Luis Hernandez

Competing against more than 40 colleges, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 won first place once again for “highest point average,” as well as second place for both the overall team championship and the formation team competition, asserting its place as the ballroom dance college team to beat in the U.S. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires all members of the team to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (choreographer and instructor). Narayan and Sumukti also represented Hawaiʻi in the amateur USA Dance National DanceSport Championships in the senior age division.

“It was an incredibly proud moment to defend our highest point average victory—it speaks volumes about our team鈥檚 dedication and passion,” said Narayan, co-instructor of the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Ballroom Dance Club and an adjunct faculty member in the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 . “To finish second overall against such fierce competition is a testament to the discipline and the hundreds of hours of hard work that our students put into their training.”

Two years of success

two people dancing
Alexander Picken and Shaelyn Loo

This was just the second year the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 team competed at the national competition since the formation of the club in September 2022. Last year, the students took first place for “highest team average” and finished in fourth place overall.

“Nationals was one of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks I’ve ever accomplished,” 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 computer science student Shaelyn Loo said. “Being able to dance and compete with such supportive coaches and teammates helped ease the nerves of competition so I could focus on having fun and performing.”

Andrew Lin, a 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 computer science student, added, “Nationals was an unforgettable experience that evoked a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, frustration, acceptance, pride and gratitude. Despite the challenges, the friendships we forged, lessons we learned and our love for ballroom dancing made it all worthwhile.”

Endurance competition

two people dancing
Luis Hernandez and Mayumi Watanabe

The NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.) and age level (youth, collegiate, adult, senior, etc.). Each student danced in approximately 15 to 32 different events in both the collegiate and adult age categories at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, foxtrot, tango and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing and bolero) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba and jive). Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some competitions. The NCDC trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as Hawaiʻi has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

An audience member and parent of a high school junior said, “Thanks to your team, my daughter (who has never done ballroom dance before) wants to join your team and is now seriously considering the University of Hawaiʻi as an option for her undergraduate studies.”

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

two people dancing
Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6–7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 athletics department, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi and USA Dance, Inc. for facility and financial support.

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 2025 nationals team roster:

  • Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science) and coach
  • Synthia Sumukti, coach
  • Florence Liu, faculty (math)
  • D’Elle Martin, architecture
  • Julietta Lopez, architecture
  • Epsilon Austin, biotechnology
  • Luis Hernandez, computer engineering
  • Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science
  • Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
  • Elijah Saloma, computer science
  • Shaelyn Loo, computer science
  • Andrew Lin, computer science
  • Michaella Villanueva, computer science
  • Alexander Picken, Earth science
  • Kyoko Suzuki, environmental science
  • Mayumi Watanabe, hospitality
  • Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
  • Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
  • Matthew Rummel, political science
  • Andrea Siochi, psychology
  • Sydney Kim, alumni, computer science
  • Jason Aguda, alumni, computer engineering
  • Wilson Tran, alumni, computer science
  • Emily Pham, alumni, computer engineering

Formation team

Swing

Viennese Waltz

Waltz

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Linguistics, library management, Earth sciences, more earn top marks for UH 惭腻苍辞补 /news/2025/03/12/qs-rankings-by-subject-2025/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:16:36 +0000 /news/?p=212171 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 was ranked in four broad subject areas and 22 narrow subject areas.

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U H Manoa students smiling

Twenty two academic subjects at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 earned high marks in the 2025 , released on March 12.

Leading the way was linguistics, which earned a No. 11 ranking in the U.S. and No. 40 ranking in the world. Library and information management (No. 17 U.S., No. 51–100 world) and Earth and marine sciences (No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 world) also placed within the top 100 in the world.

Eleven additional subjects placed in the world鈥檚 top 1% (within top 250 in the world out of ):

  • Geophysics: No. 30 U.S., No. 101–150 world
  • Geology: No. 31 U.S., No. 101–150 world
  • Anthropology: No. 35 U.S., No. 101–170 world
  • Agriculture and forestry: No. 34 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • English language and literature: No. 40 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • Philosophy: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–225 world
  • Geography: No. 34 U.S., No. 201–250 world
  • History: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–250 world
  • Politics: No. 43 U.S., No. 201–250 world
  • Physics and astronomy: No. 45 U.S., No. 201–250 world
  • Communication and media studies: No. 57 U.S., No. 201–250 world

“These rankings reflect the outstanding scholarship and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Provost Michael Bruno said. “They reaffirm our university鈥檚 reputation for excellence and innovation, not just in Hawaiʻi, but on a global scale. For the communities we serve and the students considering 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, these rankings are a powerful endorsement of the exceptional education and opportunities we provide.”

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 was ranked in four broad subject areas and 22 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (survey responses from academics), employer reputation (survey responses from graduate employers worldwide), research citations per paper (citations data sourced from鈥疎lsevier Scopus), H-index (measures most cited papers and the number of citations) and international research network (reflects ability to diversify the geography of their international research network).

The 2025 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world.

Other rankings

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 also received these notable rankings:

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东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 alums help to revive Okinawan language /news/2024/09/24/uh-manoa-alums-help-revive-okinawan-language/ Wed, 25 Sep 2024 01:16:22 +0000 /news/?p=204200 Shoichi Iwasaki and Rumiko Shinzato published a first of its kind Okinawan language textbook for English speakers.

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orange shisa statue
Shisa, the guardian creatures of Okinawan legend, are placed on homes and buildings to ward off evil and offer comfort.

In a story of both serendipity and shared passion, two University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumni, Shoichi Iwasaki and Rumiko Shinzato, reunited after more than thirty years to co-author , the first textbook of its kind for English speakers.

man smiling
Shoichi Iwasaki

The scholars bemoaned the lack of an Okinawan-language textbook in English and decided to write one themselves to preserve and teach the endangered Okinawan language. The resulting text was published by 东精影业 Press in May.

“I am passionate about letting people know the fate of the 3,000–5,000 languages that may vanish from the face of the earth in the next 100 years. Okinawan is just one of such languages,” said Iwasaki.

For Shinzato, the motivation was personal: “I wanted to give back something meaningful to my homeland, the people and our ancestors, as they have given me so much.”

While working on his master鈥檚 in at 东精影业 Mānoa, Iwasaki briefly met Shinzato, who was working on her PhD in . Years later, the professors reunited and co-wrote the recently published book.

woman smiling
Rumiko Shinzato

Iwasaki credits Shinzato with the idea to structure the textbook around the story of an American exchange student living with a host family in Okinawa. Shinzato also recorded native speakers鈥 voices to supplement the book鈥檚 written dialogues.

Critically endangered language

According to the authors, the Okinawan language, part of the Ryukyuan language family, faces a dire future. Once the primary tongue of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawan was systematically suppressed after Japan annexed the region in 1879.

In 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially declared the language “endangered.” Fifteen years later, many now consider the language “critically endangered,” as it is predominantly spoken by older generations and rarely passed on to children.

Cultural and educational impact

Basic Okinawan book cover

In Hawaiʻi, the Okinawan diaspora remains an integral part of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 rich cultural fabric, with nearly 50,000 people of Okinawan descent living in the islands.

The textbook has been met with high praise from experts in the field. “I wish it had been available when I took my first steps in the language. With the learning of Okinawan made such a pleasant experience, this will become the standard English-language work, hard to beat in the years to come,” said Leon Serafim, a retired professor of Japanese and former director of the 东精影业 Center for Okinawan Studies.

The multidisciplinary center, based on the Mānoa campus, offers courses, sponsors cultural events, and supports exchange programs. 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Hamilton Library houses the Sakamaki-Hawley Collection, one of the world鈥檚 most significant Okinawa-related archives.

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$1.3M for Korean language studies at UH 惭腻苍辞补 /news/2024/05/14/1-3m-korean-language-at-uhm/ Wed, 15 May 2024 02:38:21 +0000 /news/?p=197675 The Korean Language Flagship Center is the sole Korean language Flagship program bestowed the competitive grant.

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Group shot on the stairs
Korean Language Flagship Center students, faculty, staff with directors of the Center for Korean Studies and the Language Flagship Technology Innovation Center

This spring, the (KLFC) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa secured $1.3 million to advance Korean language education. On May 1, the Defense Language National Language Education Office announced Flagship programs awarded a four-year grant. KLFC is the sole Korean language Flagship program bestowed the competitive grant and is one of just 19 language Flagship programs nationwide.

Group of people
Sollal (Korean New Year) celebration in February 2024

Among a plethora of opportunities KLFC extends to students is a one-year Capstone program in Korea. This July, five 东精影业 Mānoa students will participate in the Korean Flagship Overseas Program at Korea University in Seoul. Christine Mau and Keziah Yoo received the prestigious Boren Scholarship which will help fund their study abroad experience. The coveted award provides funds for undergraduate students embarking on international study in regions critical to U.S. interests. Both students follow a long line of Boren scholars from 东精影业 Mānoa.

Mackenzie Migdal, a dual major in political science and Korean at 东精影业 Mānoa completed KLFC鈥檚 program in 2023.

Center for Korean Studies
Center for Korean Studies

“I鈥檓 proud of who I have become. Learning different languages expands our linguistic abilities and broadens our cultural horizons, fostering empathy and understanding. Languages connect us to the world, and I鈥檓 thankful to the Korean Language Flagship for teaching me this,” said Migdal who graduated last summer.

Matthew Eteuati, currently immersed in the Korean Flagship Overseas Program, hopes to work for the federal government, where he can utilize Korean language skills to forge new connections and develop contracts that are mutually beneficial to multiple parties.

“The results achieved through international cooperation, regardless of the field, are exponentially larger than alone,鈥 Eteuati said. 鈥淎 superior proficiency in Korean language will allow me to bridge the two countries politically and industrially.”

More on KLFC

Since its inception in 2002, the KLFC has been a beacon of excellence in language education, aiming to cultivate specialists with superior-level proficiency in Korean. Through immersive language learning environments, tutoring programs and a one-year Capstone program in Korea. The center has nurtured a generation of professionals and scholars deeply connected to Korean language and culture.

The KLFC accepts applications year-round. Those interested in dual undergraduate degrees, Korean proficiency improvement, an overseas program and internship in Korea, or professional career opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply. Flagship applications can be submitted to the website.

KLFC is housed in the 东精影业 Mānoa .

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Celebrating Louise Pagotto’s purr-fect journey: From chancellor to veterinary assistant /news/2024/05/14/pagottos-chancellor-to-veterinary-assistant/ Tue, 14 May 2024 22:31:40 +0000 /news/?p=197513 The former Kapiʻolani CC chancellor earned a certificate of achievement in veterinary technology from Windward CC.

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Louise Pagotto wearing graduation cap
Louise Pagotto

Louise Pagotto’s story is one of following her heart, even when the path takes unexpected turns. Originally dreaming of becoming a veterinarian, Pagotto鈥檚’s love for her home in Hawaiʻi led her to change her plans when she discovered there was no veterinary school in the islands.

Arriving in Hawaiʻi from Montreal, Canada in 1980, Pagotto pursued studies in linguistics at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, eventually earning her doctorate in 1987.

Her career took her on a fulfilling journey through the 东精影业 System, from teaching English at Leeward Community College to serving in various roles as an administrator at Kapiʻolani Community College, where she retired as chancellor in 2022.

But retirement didn’t mean slowing down for Pagotto. Inspired by her cat’s health struggles and her desire to be a volunteer at the Honolulu Zoo, she found a new calling: enrolling in the veterinary technology program at Windward Community College.

Describing the program as “rigorous and humbling,” Pagotto embraced the challenge with determination. Her goal? To excel and earn her certificate of achievement, which she received in May.

Check out more stories of our 东精影业 spring graduates

Drawing on her experience as an educator, Pagotto found herself on a different side of the classroom, learning from dedicated faculty who instilled in her values of integrity and professionalism within a medical context. “The depth of knowledge of technical skills taught is at a high level,” she said.

Yet, it was the support of her fellow classmates that truly made a difference. Despite initial challenges, Pagotto’s perseverance and newfound skills left her feeling empowered and accomplished.

Pagotto holding photo booth props in front of balloons that say vett 24
Louise Pagotto

Reflecting on her journey, Pagotto said, “I can do it!!” Her appreciation for the complexities of physiology and medical science has deepened, reminding her that there’s always more to learn.

“It’s not just about kittens and puppies; it’s about embracing the medical aspect with discipline and dedication,” said Pagotto.

As she prepares to embark on this new chapter, Pagotto encourages others to explore the veterinary technology program at Windward CC, emphasizing its selectivity and the supportive community it offers.

Pagotto’s story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience, reminding us that sometimes the most fulfilling journeys are the ones we never expected to take.

or email vettech@hawaii.edu.

—By Bonnie Beatson

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东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 hits academic rankings record with 8 subjects in U.S. top 20 /news/2024/04/11/qs-world-rankings-by-subject-2024/ Thu, 11 Apr 2024 20:00:40 +0000 /news/?p=195413 Linguistics led the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 rankings at No. 10 in the U.S. and No. 22 in the world.

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two people looking at a book and stiting on grass in front of a building

The placed in the nation鈥檚 top 20 in eight subjects, the best performance by 东精影业鈥檚 flagship institution in the .

Released April 10, QS鈥檚 2024 version of the rankings listed 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 among the nation鈥檚 best in the following categories:

  • Linguistics: No. 10 U.S., No. 22 world
  • Hospitality and leisure management: No. 15 U.S., No. 46 world
  • Anthropology: No. 19 U.S., No. 51–100 world
  • Modern languages: No. 19 U.S., No. 101–150 world
  • Geophysics: No. 20 U.S., No. 47 world
  • Geology: No. 20 U.S., No. 49 world
  • Earth and marine sciences: No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 world
  • Geography: No. 20 U.S., No. 101–150 world

“These rankings are a testament to the excellence of our faculty and the dedication of our entire staff,” 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Provost Michael Bruno said. “To the communities that we serve, they affirm that this university represents the very best in scholarship and education. And to our prospective students and their families, the rankings are a strong endorsement of the quality and value of an education from 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.”

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 also placed in the nation鈥檚 top 50 in nine additional subjects:

  • English language and literature: No. 30 U.S., No. 101–150 world
  • Archaeology: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • Agriculture and forestry: No. 34 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • Physics and astronomy: No. 39 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • Sociology: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–250 world
  • Politics: No. 44 U.S., No. 201–250 world
  • Communication and media studies: No. 46 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • Arts and humanities: No. 47 U.S., No. 210 world
  • Environmental sciences: No. 49 U.S., No. 251–300 world

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 was ranked in four broad subject areas and 24 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (survey responses from academics), employer reputation (survey responses from graduate employers worldwide), research citations per paper (citations data sourced from鈥疎lsevier Scopus), H-index (measures most cited papers and the number of citations) and international research network (reflects ability to diversify the geography of their international research network).

The 2024 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 16,400 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,500 universities in 96 locations around the world.

Recent rankings

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 also received these notable rankings:

For more information on rankings, see the .

—By Marc Arakaki

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