Rotuman Language Week - with Jioji Vai
Rotuman Language week takes place from Sunday 8 May to Saturday 14 May. A Fijian dependency, Rotuma is located to the north of Vanua Levu. We spoke to well known language advocate, Jioji Vai, about why Rotuma is so special.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Noa’ia ‘e Mauri, (Rotuman Greeting) My name is Jioji Vai a Kiwi-born Pacific of Rotuman and Tongan Descent. Born and raised in Auckland’s Northshore. I am the second eldest of 6 siblings. My Mother is Rotuman and Father is Tongan. I am a Radio Announcer/Host at Pacific Media Network for the ‘PMN Rotuma’ show (https://www.facebook.com/pmnrotuma/) on Radio 531. I am a Journalist Cadet working for & training with some of New Zealand’s biggest media organisations. I recently was appointed as a new member into the Auckland Museum Pacific Advisory Group and I’m also actively involved in the Rotuman community space.
Can you tell me a little bit about Rotuma and where you fanau hails from?
Rotuma which easily is missed from most world maps is located approximately 650 kilometres northwest of Fiji’s Capital. Rotuma is a Fijian dependency but falls within the Polynesian triangle. Less than 2000 people live on the Island with most Rotuman’s living on mainland Fiji. The only way to reach our home Island is to travel by boat or plane via Fiji. We have our own unique language, culture and traditions.
My Mother was born in Rotuma with our family links to ‘Oinafa’, ‘Motusa’ and ‘Noa’tau’ in Rotuma. My Father is from ‘Veitongo’ in Tonga.
It’s Rotuman Language Week - can you tell me about the Rotuman language and why it’s important to you to celebrate it?
In my personal opinion, I think the Rotuman language is one of the most unique and technical languages of the Pacific both written and oral. Unlike many of our Pacific neighbours, the Rotuman language consists of many macrons, consonants, glotal stops which contributes to the many vowels we have today and how we pronounce our words.
I’m still on this journey learning the Rotuman language. I’m very blessed growing up that my Mother and many of the community spoke the language around me and I picked up understanding the language.
I would be devastated if I was part of a generation in NZ that lost the language. So learning to speak Rotuman is key to sustaining and nurturing for our future custodians. I have a new-found appreciation for our elders and knowledge holders because they hold and are guardians of the language and culture and we have to ask questions and learn from them while we can.
What are some of the misconceptions about Rotuma?
Rotuma’s Flag is actually that of Fiji - we share the flag of Fiji as we are a fijian dependency.
What do you want people to know about Rotuma and being Rotuman?
Rotuma is probably one of a few Islands in the Pacific that still remains untouched with no Tourism or Hotels. Power on the Island is limited and turns off at a certain time in the day. Those with solar panels or a generator will be able to have electricity for 24 hours. The island also has limited access to internet so if you’re a social media junkie, and love uploading a selfie or two, then you will be surprised if the post successfully uploads.
Rotuma has one of the most unique languages in the Pacific. There is many ways to say our vowels.
Being a Rotuman is like being a fruit salad of the Pacific. We have similar cultural traditions or words to that of our Pacific neighbours.
Rotuma Day happens in May, can you tell me what celebrations happen for that?
Rotuma Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 13. This day marks the cession to the United Kingdom in 1881. Rotuman’s celebrate this day with cultural dances and Food. You may even come across some fun island or district competitions such as weaving a basket, scraping a coconut or showcasing your harvest.
And what is this feast we’ve heard of called Mamasa?
A Mamasa is a Rotuman cultural ceremony which originally was for returning fishermen and those out at sea. Mamasa literally is “drying a person who is wet.” These days a Mamasa is done for someone who is travelling to the Island for the first time so when you land in Rotuma you can’t do much or explore until you have had a Mamasa. This is sometimes practiced by Rotumans in other countries when they have first time visitors to their shores. The Mamasa ceremony would see the visitor sit on our Rotuman mats (päega) and be presented with our Rotuman Garland (Te Fui) to wear and share a meal (koua/lovo) which is prepared by the men and placed in a woven basket and then the women would prepare your meal and place on green banana leaves in front of you while they attend to you till you have finished. At times a Mamasa will then be followed by dancing or a performance in celebration and once this is complete, you’re free to explore the Island.
Finally, we know that one of the great connectors (and something we’re quite competitive about) between our islands is food. What is a traditional Rotuman dish?
Definetly Fekei (Rotuman Desert) you will never go to a Rotuman function on the Island and not see Fekei. There are many types but tmy favourite is the Taro one. I don’t make it but I know there is starch, Taro, Sugar and coconut cream. I may have missed something but simple, filling but most importantly tasty.
A big thank you to Jioji for sharing about Rotuman culture, language and food -and about fekei. We’ve found a recipe for you to try:
SUA PANA (a type of niuafo'ou fekei)
Ingredients:
2 cups coconut water
2 cup cassava starch
1/2 cup lolo (coconut cream)
3/4 cup sugar
Method:
Put starch and juice in a frying pan and stir until it is thick and transparent. Add lolo immediately and turn off the fire. Stir until lolo changes colour; then lastly add sugar and stir it in.
If you like it thick add more starch at the beginning; if you like it soft add more coconut water before you stir in the lolo.
Credit: Elizabeth K India as submitted to the University of Hawaii website