LEA TAFE/HEKE, TONGAN LANGUAGE DRIFT/SHIFT: A TĀVĀIST PHILOSOPHICAL CRITIQUE

Authors

Tavakefai‘ana, Sēmisi Fetokai Kulīha‘apai Moahehengiovava‘ulahi Potauaine, Unitec Institute of Technology, Aotearoa New Zealand and Vava‘u Academy for Critical Inquiry and Applied Research, Kingdom of Tonga
Pā‘utu-‘O-Vava‘u-Lahi, Adrian M. Lear, University of Wollongong, Australia
Havelulahi, Ma‘asi Taukei‘aho, Vava‘u Academy for Critical Inquiry and Applied Research, Kingdom of Tonga
Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu, ‘Ōkusitino Māhina, Vava‘u Academy for Critical Inquiry and Aplied Research, Kingdom of Tonga and Lagi-Maama Academy and Consultancy, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

In this original essay, we tāvāistically critique Tongan language, generally, and Tongan lea tafe/heke language drift/shift, specifically. We examine our subject matter of exploration within and across Tāvāism as a general philosophy of reality, in “time” and “space,” as both ontological and epistemological entities, identities, or tendencies. By actively, yet critically engaging in this exercise, we canvass some key aspects of the problem commonplace in both thinking and feeling. Specifically, this new undertaking will be informed by a key tāvāist tenet: all things in reality, as in nature, mind, and society, stand in fakafetongi ta‘engata eternal relations of exchange, giving rise to fepaki/felekeu conflict and maau/fenāpasi order, on the one hand, and the tāvaist corollary, that everywhere in reality is fakafelavai intersection; there is nothing beyond fakahoko connection and fakamāvae separation, on the other. Therein, maau/fenāpasi order and felekeu/fepaki conflict are the same logical status, maau/fēnapasi order is itself a form of felekeu/fepaki conflict. Two or more tatau equal/similar and kehekehe opposite/dissimilar forces, energies, or tendencies meet at a common point of mata-ava eye-hole defined by a state of noa/0, i.e., zero point. This state of faka‘ofo‘ofa/mālie beauty engages in the fakatatau mediation of fakafelavai intersection (i.e., fakahoko connection and fakamāvae separation) through sustained tatau symmetry and potupotutatau harmony: ethereal yet real faka‘ofo‘ofa/mālie beauty (‘aonga utility) is a necessary condition of tatau symmetry; potupotutatau harmonies are necessary conditions.

Recommended Citation

Potauaine, Tavakefai‘ana, Sēmisi Fetokai Kulīha‘apai Moahehengiovava‘ulahi; Lear, Pā‘utu-‘O-Vava‘u-Lahi, Adrian M.; Taukei‘aho, Havelulahi, Ma‘asi; and Māhina, Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu, ‘Ōkusitino (2022) "LEA TAFE/HEKE, TONGAN LANGUAGE DRIFT/SHIFT: A TĀVĀIST PHILOSOPHICAL CRITIQUE," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 45: No. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol45/iss1/1