Polynesian Words in English

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Instructions: From taboo to tattoo, explore the Polynesian language roots behind some fascinating English words!

1.
The word 'taboo' comes from the Tongan 'tabu.' What does 'tabu' mean?
A
Dangerous
B
Evil
C
Sacred or forbidden
D
Prohibited by law
2.
Which English word for permanent body ink comes from the Tahitian 'tatau'?
A
Brand
B
Mark
C
Stamp
D
Tattoo
3.
Who brought the word 'tattoo' to the English-speaking world after his Pacific voyages?
A
Ferdinand Magellan
B
Captain James Cook
C
Christopher Columbus
D
Sir Francis Drake
4.
The word 'wiki' (as in Wikipedia) comes from Hawaiian. What does 'wiki' mean?
A
Knowledge
B
Together
C
Share
D
Quick or fast
5.
Which English word for a type of skirt made from grass or plant fibers is associated with Polynesian culture?
A
Grass skirt
B
Hula skirt
C
Sarong
D
Lavalava
6.
The word 'mana' from Polynesian languages is used in English. What does it refer to?
A
Supernatural power or spiritual authority
B
Tribal leadership
C
Physical strength
D
Military rank
7.
Which Hawaiian word meaning 'love, affection, or compassion' is widely used in English?
A
Pono
B
Aloha
C
Ohana
D
Mahalo
8.
The word 'ukulele' comes from Hawaiian. What does 'ukulele' literally mean?
A
Small guitar
B
Island music
C
Happy strings
D
Jumping flea
9.
Which Polynesian-derived word describes a large stone statue, particularly those found on Easter Island?
A
Tiki
B
Totem
C
Moai
D
Idol
10.
The word 'tiki' comes from Polynesian mythology. What does a tiki typically represent?
A
A god of war
B
The first human or a carved humanoid figure
C
A tribal weapon
D
A sea creature
11.
Which Polynesian word for a traditional feast has been adopted into English, especially in Hawaiian contexts?
A
Fiesta
B
Banquet
C
Luau
D
Potlatch
12.
The Maori word 'kiwi' is used in English for both a bird and a fruit. What does the kiwi bird symbolize in New Zealand?
A
National identity (it is the national bird)
B
Strength in battle
C
Speed and agility
D
Wisdom and knowledge
13.
Which Samoan word for a wrap-around garment is used in English?
A
Sarong
B
Sulu
C
Lavalava
D
Pareo
14.
The Maori word 'haka' is internationally known. What is a haka?
A
A funeral ritual
B
A ceremonial war dance with chanting
C
A greeting ceremony
D
A harvest celebration
15.
Which Hawaiian word meaning 'family' (including extended family) has become widely used in English?
A
Mahalo
B
Luau
C
Aloha
D
Ohana

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