Our social customs & children's stories in the Norf'k language

Our social customs & children's stories in the Norf'k language -

 In this episode, let’s explore some of our social customs, our bonds of kinship and family ties, to the deep respect shown towards elders and the way in which we bring up our children on the island. 

The late Miss Bataille, was the Kindergarten teacher at the school for many years and in her Norf’k language lessons she compiled a couple of children’s stories.Listen to three of her stories being read in the Norf'k language and followed by a summary translation into English.

The entire community actively participates in raising children, embodying the African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." This manifests in various ways, from helping with childcare and elder care, to mentoring youth and teaching traditional skills. Extended family structures are also commonly seen, with grandparents and other relatives playing significant roles in a child's upbringing, providing a strong sense of belonging and shared responsibility.

Young people on Norfolk Island learn through observation and practical application, often without formal instruction. They participate in daily chores, helping with gardening, fishing, or crafting, acquiring valuable life skills in a hands-on manner. This experience and learning fosters resourcefulness, resilience, and a strong connection to the island’s environment and way of life.

Deep respect for our elders is deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Norfolk Island. This reverence extends beyond simple politeness; it’s a fundamental value that shapes social interactions and community cohesion. This respect manifests in various ways, from actively seeking their advice to involving them in important community decisions. The wisdom and experience of elders are highly valued, and their contributions are recognised and appreciated as invaluable assets to the community.

Untold Norfolk Island Travel Podcast Series - Sponsored by Baunti Tours www.bauntitours.com

Untold Norfolk Island Travel Podcast Series - Sponsored by Baunti Tours www.bauntitours.com

Transcript

Our social customs & children's stories in the Norf'k language

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Untold Norfolk Island travel podcast series. 

My name is Jodie Williams and as a Norfolk Islander & Churchill Fellow, I am your ‘on island’ podcast host.

1948 INTERVIEW WITH SCHOOL CHILDREN 

You have just heard a snippet of a 1948 recording as captured by Radio New Zealand when they visited the island. This interview with the school children is a beautiful, raw and un-edited audio snap-shot in time. We are so very fortunate to have some of these recordings in our sound heritage collections.

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In this episode, let’s explore some of our social customs, our bonds of kinship and family ties, to the deep respect shown towards elders and the way in which we bring up our children on the island. 

From the arrival of the Pitcairners in 1856 our small and isolated community nurtured a committed focus upon mutual support of each other. This was shown by the way in which everyone was assisted when in need, often with the contributing of resources and collaborating on projects (such as building a home), and this created a strong sense of collective responsibility and shared identity. 

Family, both immediate and extended, forms the heart of our Norfolk Island community. Similar to many other Pacific Island cultures, the concept of family extends far beyond the nuclear unit, incorporating aunts, uncles, cousins, and even more distant relatives - relatives by blood, marriage, and adoption—both living and deceased - into a web of kinship that is integral to our community's way of life. This emphasis on family isn't merely a social convention; it’s deeply woven into our identity and plays a vital role in shaping social interactions, decision-making processes and the overall rhythm of life. Respect for our elders and the transmission of our Norfolk heritage & social customs through family lines ensure that many aspects of our way of life are remembered, preserved and passed down through the generations.

Our elders play a crucial role in upholding our Norfolk Island heritage. Their active participation in decision-making processes ensures that traditions and customs are respected and maintained. They serve as repositories of knowledge about historical events, traditional practices and the way we do things on the island.

This transmission of knowledge and skills from elders to younger generations is a cornerstone of our Norfolk Island community. This intergenerational learning isn't limited to formal settings; it's embedded in everyday interactions, stories told, and practical instructions. Elders share their life experiences, practical wisdom, and traditional skills, ensuring that valuable knowledge isn't lost but continues to enrich the lives of future generations.

Deep respect for our elders is deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Norfolk Island. This reverence extends beyond simple politeness; it’s a fundamental value that shapes social interactions and community cohesion. This respect manifests in various ways, from actively seeking their advice to involving them in important community decisions. The wisdom and experience of elders are highly valued, and their contributions are recognised and appreciated as invaluable assets to the community.
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‘Tradition can guide us, but merely repeating what we have inherited will not suffice. We have to add to it, to grow beyond it, to discover our own truths.’
This quote from "Why Traditions Must Evolve To Stay Relevant" emphasises the importance of adapting traditions to modern influences while maintaining their core essence. 

For us here on the island, consider for example, the Norf’k language itself. While efforts are made to preserve its unique vocabulary and grammar, it also evolves to reflect contemporary life and incorporate new words and phrases to express modern concepts. This dynamic interaction shows a respect for the past while acknowledging the necessity of change.

In a similar way traditional crafts and skills are being passed on to new generations, not simply as rote repetition but as opportunities for creative expression and innovation. Young artisans build upon the established techniques while infusing their own unique styles and perspectives. This adaptation ensures the vitality and continued relevance of these traditions.

The celebration of community events demonstrates this balance. Festivals and gatherings draw on the rich tapestry of Norfolk Island's heritage but also embrace contemporary performances and creative approaches, broadening their appeal and enriching the experience for both locals and visitors. 
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There is a strong Polynesian essence on the island, whereby traditional Polynesian cooking methods, emphasising fresh ingredients and slow cooking techniques, are still practiced on Norfolk. Dishes like ‘pilhi’ and ‘mudda’ and various seafood preparations like ‘Tahitian fish’ reflect this enduring culinary heritage. The use of coconut milk, sweet potato (kumera) and other Polynesian staples in local recipes further highlights this essence.

Family structures on Norfolk Island often reflect the strong emphasis on extended family found in many Polynesian cultures. Close-knit family ties and a deep sense of communal responsibility are core values, with generations often living in close proximity. This creates a strong social support network.

Local artisans often incorporate inspiration from their Polynesian lineage into their artistic creations through various crafts like plaiting, tapa cloth making and wood carvings. These crafts often reflect the rich artistic heritage of Polynesia. 

Our Norf'k language, a unique blend of old English, Polynesian, and other influences, features a significant number of Tahitian origin words. This linguistic inheritance reflects the historical connections between Norfolk Island and Polynesia. These words often relate to everyday life, flora, fauna, childrearing and cooking practices.

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On Norfolk Island, a nuanced understanding of unspoken etiquette shapes daily interactions. For instance, a casual wave driving past someone on the road is often more than a simple greeting; it's a recognition of shared community. In a similar way, taking time to chat with those you pass in the stores or cafes, even if only briefly, is a common practice that demonstrates respect. These subtle gestures and actions often speak louder than words.

Respect for our way of life is more often than not, conveyed through actions rather than specific statements. This might involve attending local events, like community gatherings or church services, to participate in and show appreciation for the island’s rich heritage. Knowing when to offer help, and accepting assistance graciously, also plays a crucial part in maintaining this harmony. It's a reciprocal understanding that contributes greatly to the island's social fabric.

To continually nurture a sense of community harmony and mutual respect, a strong emphasis on sharing and helping one another is not merely an ideal, but an everyday commitment by many of us on the island. Respecting personal space and privacy, and considering the impact your actions may have on others are all key aspects of this underlying code. 

Our Norf'k Language is a living heritage.

Our traditional greeting in the Norf’k language is ‘Whutta-waye?' This does not translate to merely ‘hello’… it’s literal translation is ‘How are you?’ reflecting concern for the well-being of the person being addressed. It's not just a cursory question, but a simple phrase that embodies warmth and care.

Children on Norfolk Island are taught from a young age to use the Norf'k language respectfully, particularly in situations where people from different backgrounds are present. We were often schooled as youngsters, that if you are in the company of people who don’t understand the Norf’k language, then you were to speak English. This was seen as respect for our visitors. In more recent times, the use of the language in tourism marketing and promotion has encouraged a curiosity about our distinct language and an understanding for us to share and explain the meanings. To keep it alive and to share it with others. 

Numerous initiatives are underway to preserve the Norf'k language, ensuring its survival for future generations. These efforts include dedicated language talks for visitors, the creation of dictionaries and other linguistic resources, and the integration of Norf'k into tourism initiatives to showcase the island's unique cultural heritage to visitors. Community involvement is vital, with elders and younger speakers working together to pass on the knowledge and traditions of the language.

Engaging young people in daily use of the Norf'k language is crucial for long-term preservation and this happens by fostering a sense of pride and ownership in their linguistic heritage. Creative approaches, such as incorporating Norf'k into the school curricula, songs and games, are increasingly used to make learning fun and accessible.

The late Miss Bataille, was the Kindergarten teacher at the school for many years and in her Norf’k language lessons she compiled a couple of children’s stories. This one is about camping:

AUDIO: CHILDREN’S STORY - CAMPING

Loosely translated this short story is about camping at Kingston, setting up a tent, then going for a swim and swimming out the raft at Emily Bay. Next they gathered their rods and went fishing. They used crabs and hihi’s for bait. The local fish ‘aatuti’ isn’t popular as it tastes like seaweed! The tide was rough and it made the rocks so slippery, that they almost fell over. Snorkels were put on and it was a delight to see the wunnas (sea urchins), seaweed and blue coral. They took a walk on the sand and looked for shells to make things. Then it was time to eat, so they lit a fire, cooked some eggs, bananas (plun) and sausages, and toasted some marshmallows. When they went to bed, they listened to some ghost stories which made them so scared they couldn’t sleep!!

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The entire community actively participates in raising children, embodying the African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." This manifests in various ways, from helping with childcare and elder care, to mentoring youth and teaching traditional skills. Extended family structures are also commonly seen, with grandparents and other relatives playing significant roles in a child's upbringing, providing a strong sense of belonging and shared responsibility.

Children are instilled with core values like kindness, respect, love and responsibility, and these are deeply embedded in Norfolk Island's way of life. These values are taught not only through explicit instruction but also through observation and participation in community events and traditions. Emphasis is placed on respect for elders, environmental stewardship, and the importance of maintaining our heritage and way of life for future generations.

Young people on Norfolk Island learn through observation and practical application, often without formal instruction. They participate in daily chores, helping with gardening, fishing, or crafting, acquiring valuable life skills in a hands-on manner. This experience and learning fosters resourcefulness, resilience, and a strong connection to the island’s environment and way of life.

This next children’s story by Miss Bataille is about cooking. 
CHILDREN’S STORY - COOKING

A translation: First step is to get a recipe book to make a banana pilhi. We needed some over-ripe bananas, to peel and mash them. Then we gathered some banana leaves to wrap around the mashed banana, before we placed it into the oven to cook. Next we made some mudda (a green banana dish). We grated it (with a yorlor) and mixed it into little dumplings, before putting it into a pot of milk and onto the stove to cook. We needed potatoes so we went down the valley to dig them up. Took them home, peeled them, grated them, and put them in the banana leaves and into the oven to cook. It’s absolutely delicious with fish!

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A strong tradition of freely sharing goods and services exists on Norfolk Island. This isn't simply charity, but a demonstration of community spirit and interconnectedness. For instance, fishermen will often share their catches with those who are unable to go fishing anymore, and farmers share surplus produce, fostering a sense of mutual support and abundance.

Small gifts are a customary practice when visiting homes on Norfolk Island. These gestures aren't  about the monetary value but are a way to express love, respect and friendship. This could be anything from a homemade treat or locally grown produce to a small craft. It's the thoughtfulness behind the gift that matters most.

The reciprocal exchange of goods and services maintains a delicate balance within the Norfolk Island community. This cycle of giving and receiving reinforces social bonds and strengthens supporting one another in the community. 

Nearly everyone on Norfolk Island, regardless of age, actively participates in volunteering.  From assisting with local events and projects to helping others in need, the collaborative spirit is explained by the late Tom Lloyd as the underlying motivation behind volunteering being a shared commitment to serving the community selflessly. Gifting your time and skills to benefit others, without expecting personal gain or recognition has been a part of the Norfolk way for many years. 

The community's commitment to support extends beyond everyday tasks. Regular benefit nights and fundraising events are organised to provide assistance to those facing challenges, whether it’s financial hardship, illness or other difficulties. This collective effort demonstrates a profound sense of care and solidarity within the community.

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Humour is deeply embedded in the Norf'k language and daily interactions. A playful teasing and lighthearted banter is common, often involving witty remarks and wordplay. Don't be surprised to hear seemingly harsh comments delivered with a twinkle in the eye; this is typical of Norfolk Island's communication style.

Playful teasing and pranks are common and should never be taken seriously. These range from harmless tricks to elaborate schemes, often carried out between family members and close friends. A good-natured ribbing is part of the local fabric; the goal is amusement, not malice. These light-hearted pranks are a way of showing affection.

Nicknames often stem from humorous incidents or personal quirks. These nicknames, often passed down through generations, are a unique way of identifying individuals within the community. A  nickname often reflects a person's character or a funny anecdote associated with them. Expect to hear nicknames regularly used in casual conversations.


The Norfolk wave is a friendly tradition: There are a few ways you can achieve this as you are driving on the road: 

You can use the:
Full Arm Wave - that is broad, enthusiastic wave, often used for excited greetings among friends or when showing particular excitement and joy.  
Hand Wave - this standard friendly acknowledgment is a simple yet effective way to show respect and acknowledgement of someone's presence. The wave conveys a sense of casual politeness and connection.
The pointer finger is a more subtle nod to passersby. A small gesture for those times when a full wave might seem unnecessary or excessive, demonstrating a friendly yet understated recognition.

The 'Norfolk Wave' is a cherished tradition. It's a simple yet powerful way to connect with others and show friendliness. Remember to wave when passing others on the island, selecting the wave type that suits your enthusiasm and the situation!

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Norfolk Island boasts a unique ecosystem, home to a remarkable array of endemic plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. This includes the iconic Norfolk Island pine, along with various rare bird species, insects, and plants. Protecting this biodiversity requires ongoing conservation efforts to prevent the introduction of invasive species and manage habitat loss.

Beyond its ecological value, Norfolk Island's environment holds profound historical and cultural significance for our community. Many sites and species are intrinsically linked to traditional stories and practices, adding a layer of heritage preservation to the conservation efforts. Protecting these places safeguards not only the environment but also the island’s cultural identity.

Environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the Norfolk Island community. Islanders actively participate in various conservation initiatives, from volunteering in community cleanups and weed control to supporting sustainable farming practices and responsible tourism. This shared commitment reflects a strong sense of place and responsibility for future generations.

This next children’s story by Miss Bataille is about bushwalking.
CHILDREN’S STORY - BUSHWALKING

A brief translation is:  As it’s a nice day we’ll put on our hats and go for a walk in the bush. Whilst we were walking along, we saw a rat and then picked up some pine seeds to sell. Up in the trees we saw some green parrots and fairy terns. Down in the valley we cleared a spot to sit and eat our lunch. My mother put the lunch down on a tablecloth and they ate a potato pilhi, lemon & guava pies, hihi sandwiches, some bananas and oranges. She also steamed some fish. Then we put a rug on the ground and laid down. The ants woke us up so we got up and made our way back home along the track. When we got home we washed and sat down to rest as we were exhausted! 

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If you are currently planning a holiday to the island, I hope that these podcast episodes help to uncover a deeper understanding of 'all things Norfolk' before you arrive. 

By understanding and respecting our social customs, both locals and visitors play a crucial role in ensuring the preservation of the Norfolk Island way of life. Visitors can contribute by learning about the island's history and traditions and supporting local businesses. Such interactions not only enrich the visitor experience but also help sustain the island's unique cultural heritage. And we very much appreciate your support with this. Let's celebrate the warmth, humour, generosity, and resilience that define our exceptional island community and its people.

Thanks so much for joining me this week!