Book Description

Compiled by the Tokelau Wellington Leadership Group, supported by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, Alagakupu Tokelau is a collection of proverbs intended to ignite interest, conversations and new initiatives about the maintenance of the Tokelau language. Alagakupu Tokelau captures over 200 proverbs written in the Tokelau language. Each proverb is accompanied by an explanation and meaning offered by the contributor. The menu of proverbs ranges from humorous, common sayings that serve as a record of a particular arresting event to chants for specific settings, age-old axioms and sage advice of unknown origin, some with links to Tokelau folklore. In its current form, Alagakupu Tokelau is perhaps more useful to a speaker of the Tokelau language who is searching for a wider or deeper understanding of the language or one who is looking to enrich his/her treasure chest which these offerings of timeless Tokelau jewels. This is an ongoing effort to revive and ensure the survival of Te Gagana Tokelau. The Tokelau Wellington Leadership Group hopes that future publications will include the English translations to expand its target audience.