Speaking Kosrae: The Beautiful Language Of The Pacific Island Of Kosrae

TOFOL, Kosrae, Micronesia, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There's something exotic about hearing a foreign language spoken no matter where you are in the world.  Hearing the melodic sounds of the native tongue of Kosrae Island sang or spoken by a local Kosraen (pronounced Koshyran) is no exception.

The centuries-old Kosraean language -- also sometimes called Kusaiean -- is still used by most of Kosrae's native residents when at home, at work, at church or socializing with family and friends. The Kosraean language belongs to the Austronesian language family, as do all of the Micronesian languages. Kosraean is most closely related to the Micronesian languages of Chuuk, the Marshalls, and Pohnpei.

English is also widely spoken on Kosrae, taught in schools and used in government establishments and upon meeting visitors.  In addition, some older Kosraens speak Japanese as well.

Visitors to the island of Kosrae are encouraged to learn as much of the Kosraean language as possible,  According to island residents, this goes a long way to making friends.

Here are a few useful Kosraean expressions:

ABOUT KOSRAE
Kosrae is an eco-traveler's paradise and an internationally acclaimed dive destination. A 42-square-mile island, it is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and is located between Guam and Hawaii. Kosrae's reefs are considered to be among the most pristine remaining in the world. Kosrae is served by the United Airlines Island Hopper via Hawaii and Guam. Visit the Kosrae Visitors Bureau web site: http://www.kosrae.com.

SOURCE Kosrae Visitors Bureau