Pacific Islands Studies Plan A Masters Theses

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SEE ALSO
M.A. - Pacific Islands Studies [http://hdl.handle.net/10125/2130]
and
M.A. Plan B - Pacific Islands Studies [http://hdl.handle.net/10125/20086]

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 68
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    Singing in their genealogical trees : the emergence of contemporary Hawaiian poetry in English
    ( 1989) Hamasaki, Richard
    This study is primarily an examination of three contemporary Hawaiian poets. The three poets, Dana Naone Hall, Wayne Kaumuali'i Westlake (1947-1984) and Joseph P. Balaz, are of Hawaiian ancestry, and they are among the first ethnic Hawaiian writers to publish a significant body of contemporary poetry written primarily in English.
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    Na'la'la' i hila'-ta, na'matatnga i taotao-ta : Chamorro language as liberation from colonization
    ([Honolulu] : [University of Hawaii at Manoa], [May 2014], 2014-05) Kuper, Kenneth Douglas Gofigan
    This thesis aims to explore the connection between decolonization and language revitalization in Guåhan, an island in the Marianas archipelago. This thesis argues that one could better understand the manifestations, obstacles, and complexities of decolonization by looking at language revitalization. It also explores the liberatory potential of language and language's importance to a people. This thesis argues that the main obstacle to decolonization is its emphasis on state-centric approaches, and that effective decolonization should be rooted in indigenous values and perspectives. Language revitalization is not only used as a metaphor for decolonization, but is also argued to be a core method and component of effective decolonization. Through an analysis of the history of language oppression, Chamorro-english dictionaries, and community language projects, decolonization and language revitalization will be shown to be intimately connected. Language as a core component of a people will be shown to be an avenue of reconnection, an avenue of empowerment/resistance, and an avenue for community building. Lastly, this thesis breaks down hegemonic ideas about decolonization in Guåhan and calls for a vast Chamorro reimagination.
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    Whispered memories of Belau's bais : a cherechar a lokelii
    ([Honolulu] : [University of Hawaii at Manoa], [December 2014], 2014-12) Iechad, Kora M.
    Grounded in the Belauan proverb "A Cherechar a lokelii," this thesis explores the ways the Bai, the Belauan meetinghouse, informs Belauan principles and identity as well as the roles it pays in illuminating strategies for thinking about contemporary issues. Today people in Belau and around the world face challenges such as cultural marginalization and climate change; although separate issues, both find paths connecting one to the other. The physical structure and the social, cultural and political structures that come out of the bai indirectly demonstrate the connectivity of such issues as well as illuminating strategies for thinking about them. Specifically, using the Belauan strategy of indirect replies as a central methodology, this thesis engages in the stories painted on and told about the bai, gathered through the interviewing of Belauan elders and other scholarly research. It traces the history of Belau, from origins to colonization to political independence, with a specific focus on the bai as a key site and catalyst for Belauan identity. Ultimately, the bai gives us the foundation to begin examining strategies to address contemporary issues and challenges in addition to provoking us to further explore other types of indigenous strategies and ways of viewing the world.
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    Yumi olgeta papua niugini : cultural identity formations and national consciousness among urban-educated youth in Papua New Guinea
    ([Honolulu] : [University of Hawaii at Manoa], [December 2014], 2014-12) Hermes, Karin Louise
    This thesis examines the self-identification of university-age urban Papua New Guineans and their role in nation-building. I question the role of the state and civil society in nation-building and the ideal of the nation-state model for the diverse Melanesian region. I focus on the implications of social change and social identities in urban Papua New Guinea (PNG) through globalization and migration flows from the rural to the urban. I argue that the influences of modernity and urban social change, particularly being away from customary land ties, lead to a self-identification among the urban youth towards a regional identity and a national imagery, highlighting their significant role in defining what it is to be Papua New Guinean.
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    Apmam Tiemp Ti Uli'e Hit (Long Time No See): Chamorro Diaspora and the Transpacific Home
    ( 2013) Bennett, Jesi Lujan
    This thesis explores Chamorro migration and settlement within new diasporic spaces like San Diego, California. It shows how Chamorros living away from their home islands still find ways to stay connected to their cultural roots through their transpacific homes and identities. The movement of Chamorros to the United States changes how Chamorros choose to articulate their indigeneity. This thesis examines the challenges and nuances of living in the transpacific diaspora through the examination of Chamorro organizations, clothing brands, and festivals. Today there are more Chamorros living away from their home islands than on them. This project shows that Pacific Islanders abroad continue to keep strong links to their home islands despite their physical location.
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    Making a Case For Palauans: An Analysis of Public Lands Cases in Palau
    ( 2012) Matsutaro, Ebil
    Beginning with Palauan perspectives and worldviews, this thesis traces the genealogy of the modern-day court system in Palau. It ends with an analysis of cases showing how the return of public lands in Palau has been largely impeded by the nature of a court system that came from a different set of interests than that of Palauans’ interests. The court system embodies ideologies in place that do not necessarily fit well with Palauan needs and interests. Many problems may be seen in the land cases analyzed in this thesis. As a result, it is argued that there is no better time than now for Palauans to reassess not only the way they choose to resolve conflicts, but also which ideology governs the way they decide to operate.
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    Hua Ka Nalu: Hawaiian Surf Literature
    ( 2010) Masterson, Ian
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