How do you say HELLO in Micronesia??
Like so many interesting facts about Micronesia, saying HELLO is not as simple as one may think. You can literally say HELLO anywhere in Micronesia and get a favorable response, but that's mainly because English is the 'official' language throughout the region. If you want to say HELLO in the different languages across Micronesia, I can help you.
Saying HELLO in the Republic of Palau
Where shall we start? Let's go from east to west, shall we? Starting with the Republic of Palau. If you were in Koror, the center of Palau, and wanted to say HELLO to the locals, Alii would be the correct way to go about it. It is pronounced Ah-Lee. Like the great boxer who danced like a butterfly and floated like a bee.
Saying HELLO in the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia
Coming to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), we are getting a bit complex. There are four states within the Federation, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae.
Starting again from the east, with Yap or Wa'ab as the locals call it, you say HELLO by saying Mogethin, pronounced Mow-geh-theen.
Moving westward, we encounter Chuuk, the largest state in the FSM. In Chuuk, you say HELLO by saying Ran Annim, pronounced Ran-an-im. Don't be surprised to see gold teeth shining back in smiles. It's one of the most common modern practices in Chuuk to sport a gold tooth or two.
In Pohnpei, the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia, you greet people with Kaselehlie, pronounced Kus-a-le-li-eh. A smile and a nod of the head or bow will get you great responses all across Micronesia. Respect and courtesy are huge in the local cultures across Micronesia.
Over to the smallest state in Kosrae, known as the island of the sleeping lady, you can say HELLO by saying Lenwo, pronounced Len-wo. The Kosraens are very religious people so don't be surprised to have a hard time finding someone on a Sunday to say HELLO to, unless you find them at church.
Saying HELLO in the Republic of the Marshall Islands
And in the east, the Republic of Marshall Islands, made up of many small coral atolls and islets, is the last stop. In Majuro, the capital you can say HELLO by saying Iakwe, pronounced yuck-wei. The language is spoken in rapid bursts of sentences, don't be surprised to get a flurry of words in response. As long as they're smiling, you're ok, usually.
Just Say HELLO :)
The official languages across the three Micronesian countries is English and their native tongue. Laws are written in English, most if not all public signs are written in English with an accompanying local translation, and English is taught in all the schools. Saying HELLO will still get you a nice HELLO back across Micronesia. But, when in Micronesia, greet as the Micronesians do and you'll get a nice surprising reply back.
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