Niue Language Dictionary

Book excerpt: Tohi Vagahau Niue is a significant new dictionary detailing the Polynesian language of Niue, and will benefit Niuean studies for years to come. While its main aim is to be a repository for native speakers, it will also serve a wider linguistic audience, including comparativists and theorists in lexicography. Detailed user notes introduce the reader to the basic challenges in Niuean lexicography and grammar. With some 10,000 Niuean word entries, the present dictionary is a significant expansion on an earlier work. The Niuean contributors took great care to present their language as a living entity while preserving its valuable past, but they are also aware of its uncertain future. Language revival is essential to preserve a linguistic Pacific jewel, and as such the new dictionary will lend status to Niuean language studies as well as be an invaluable help in using Niuean confidently in everyday life.