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Mary Vincent “Meleheti Latu”

Mary Vincent “Meleheti Latu”. Christina Salmon English 538: Bilingualism June 22, 2007. Born in Nuku’alofa, Tonga : . “The Friendly Islands” – nicknamed by Captain Cook Constitutional Monarchy The King of Tonga is very respected. Only monarchy in the South Pacific

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Mary Vincent “Meleheti Latu”

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  1. Mary Vincent “Meleheti Latu” Christina Salmon English 538: Bilingualism June 22, 2007

  2. Born in Nuku’alofa, Tonga: • “The Friendly Islands” – nicknamed by Captain Cook • Constitutional Monarchy • The King of Tonga is very respected. • Only monarchy in the South Pacific • Was protected by the British, but now independent • Tongan Pictures

  3. Meleheti Latu • One of 13 children who were all bilingual in Tongan and English • Father knew English well, but her mother does not know much English. • Most people in Tonga know English, but Tongan is the primary language used.

  4. Education in Tonga • Children are required to take one English class each year of school. • Students take exams in English. • If the teacher is British or an American, then class is conducted in English. • Students pay tuition to attend high school and college. • Tongans are very motivated to learn English, and there are few distractions. • 98% Literacy Rate

  5. Her Education • Attended an all-female private high school, Queen Salote College • Two years at a Teacher’s College • Became a third grade teacher when she was 18 years old • Taught for 4 years, including the English class

  6. U.S. Peace Corps in Tonga • Burton Vincent went to Tonga to develop information technology in 1976 with the United States Peace Corps. • Mary was appointed his Tongan tutor. • They fell in love and got married in Tonga. When Burton’s commitment to the Peace Corps was fulfilled, they returned to Harrington, Delaware.

  7. A New Environment • 22 years old in a foreign country • She was mostly worried about understanding others and being understood. • She was very trusting and adjusted well. • Her new family made her feel very welcome.

  8. New Experiences • She had never seen snow before. • Hair dryers scared her at first until she got used to them. • She had never used an electric oven before. • Having a baby shower was a very shocking and surprising experience too.

  9. Speaking English in the U.S. • Learning pronunciation of words was one of the most difficult parts of learning English. • Remembering the different tenses was also a challenge. ---------------------------------------------------- • She thinks that immigrants in the United States should learn English, but still maintain their native language.

  10. Dominant Language Today • She thinks and dreams in English now. Her self-talk is in English also. • She still prays in Tongan. Whenever she talks with her family members, it is in Tongan. • She will sometimes tag-switch when speaking Tongan: I know, ok.

  11. English Ability • Speaks English fluently with an accent • Sometimes switches pronouns (she, he) • Not an avid reader of English

  12. Using Tongan Now • Now she thinks it is a good idea for children to learn another language. She regrets not teaching her children Tongan. • All of her nieces and nephews are bilingual. She does not think they will teach their children Tongan unless they marry a fellow Tongan.

  13. Mom Today • She works in a daycare center, and she is very well-liked by the parents. • She is very proud of her family, and she loves her life here in America.

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