Investigating Pilina Inoa (Homonyms) in Hawaiian Taxonomy

Abstract

Taxonomies are systems of organismal classification and nomenclature. Western epistemologies base taxonomies on evolutionary relationships and ecosystem roles, whereas Hawaiian epistemological frameworks distinctly utilize taxonomy to map environmental relationships, highlighting interconnecting functionalities. Furthermore, the breadth of our taxonomic interpretations has bona fide implications by informing conservation priorities. However, teaching taxonomy holistically has proven challenging due to incommensurabilities of translating Hawaiian concepts into English and insufficient educator training in Hawaiʻi lifeways. To expand a learner’s lens, educational materials presenting multi-faceted aspects of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi are necessary. Here, I employed ʻōiwi methodologies to identify nomenclatural relationships and ethnological significance between four word case studies and developed PilinaInoa.com as an educational database. Expert feedback articulated interest in leveraging PilinaInoa.com as a tool for educational settings and cited deficiencies in available Hawaiian taxonomy resources. By exploring ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, we can foster broader perspectives on taxonomy and thus, our understanding of the world.