Learn to Speak Tongan Like a Pro (Lea fakatonga) #1

Hello, my name is Kulisi. I have been speaking the Tongan language for 16 years now. I first learned the language as a Mormon missionary in the Friendly islands of Tonga from 2001 to 2003 and later went back to the islands where I started a relationship with my wife.
We now life in Tonga and I want to provide this resource for young men and women who are prepareing to go on lds missions here, peace corp volunteers, and perhaps even the foreign born and raised Tongan who wants to learn the language of they're homeland.
Today, we will be learning about common phrases used in the language that are commonly used. I will also give an introduction to the country of Tonga.

[@imanfinau1626]

BEST way to speak Tongan fast is to read a book in English and the same book in tongan

[@jaqenhghar2970]

haha just like the pālangi missionary from the Other Side of Heaven movie?

[@teriakitamasese]

‘Oku ke tonu! Ko e founga ‘eni na’a ku ‘ako ‘a e lea fakatonga 😉

[@lazy-assed_mercenary]

Kolipoki? lol

[@f.f8086]

Same last name

[@kalusetimoimoi2259]

@@jaqenhghar2970 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@nanamak7]

Thank you for this. I’m 75% Tongan, 25% white. My dad is full and my mom is half tongan and half Scottish but neither of them ever talked to me and my brothers in Tongan, so we never bothered learning and I regret it. So thank you for this!!

[@allyc1811]

Wow my mums Scottish and my dad is Tongan. I’ve never met someone with the same ethnicity as me!

[@nanamak7]

Ally C ; Oh my gosh! I’ve never met anyone w the same ethnicities either! 😍 I’m shook!

[@ahmedmemdouh3890]

Iam Ahmed Memdouh from maroco is me 00212771397866 iam love you baetiful? Thanks

[@nanamak7]

@@Gen3ralGrimReaper Your mom is a disgusting mix

[@sillau9]

Similar..but im Samoan & White mix..and since I was young,I always pushed my grandma to constantly teach me Samoan(since I was raised by my grandma in the states,and she spoke Samoan & broken english around the house)..but I only knew the basics. I get jealous of others(lol) that knew Samoan naturally since they were a toddler and can speak it fluently. Those that were naturally taught since young should be grateful..cuz they were lucky to be in an environment where they naturally picked up the language..

[@parkerpogue4544]

When you said Mormon missionary I was so hyped !!! Thank you for serving. I love Tonga !

[@reglabrum6928]

We spoke it in the Auckland New Zealand area

[@Ofakisaione]

Thank you for doing this. I was born and raised in the States, and my Parents spoke to my Siblings and I only in English. I have learned the basics growing up with my Father's side of the family. I am looking forward to your future lessons. Malo 💗

[@ahmedmemdouh3890]

You baetiful and tonga thanks

[@wellmixed7269]

Omg! Same ugh! I'm so trying to learn

[@tuluvota]

oh ok... they speak Tongan differently in Nukunuku btw lol

[@uboii]

Thanks toko, youngest in my family that is born and raised in California. I have fob brothers nd what not but my parents always spoke to me in English, hopefully I can catch up with your channel and talk to them

[@uboii]

Oh yeah, just subscribed

[@teti_99]

Dang bro!! Your pronunciation is legit!!! Tongan is my first language and I still speak it like a fob but interestingly enough... I've never been to Tongan in my life. Mea fkofa mooni eku moui... mhk! One day I plan to go with my wife. She tells me all about it all the time.

[@cherryspooppiglucy976]

I'm Tongan and Samoan. This helped me understand my family lol.

[@AnaKJ808]

I am hafakasi Tonga and Puerto Rican. I was born in Hawaii. My father traveled from Tonga as a polynesian dancer. He made his way to Hawaii where he met my mother. He really struggled to learn English and didn't want my brother and I to have to struggle to learn English like he did. With that said he mainly spoke to us in English. Looking back I wish I tried to learn more. I grew up with a huge language barrier between my grandparents and I. As a child I didn't really think much of it, but now that I am older with my own children I see how much I've missed not knowing how to communicate with them. Now, my husband, who is also Tongan, are trying to teach our children how to speak the language. He know way more than I do since both his parents are Tongan and spoke the language at home. So I am learning. It's brought us closer as a family and we just love it! These videos help in so many ways. And I appreciate the tips that you've used. Thank you very much!!!

[@deevita7459]

AnyaAnya Em that’s awesome.

[@lesieli983]

My dad is aboriginal and Tongan and my mum is māori and aboriginal 🥰

[@kulisi]

Wow... Amazing to see the diversity. Thanks for stopping by :)

[@sionetuiono3301]

Thank you Kulisi! I really like your passion for the Tongan language and culture! Awesome videos and now subscribe to your bloc.

[@phoenixhamon87]

Malo e lelei I served my Mission the Australia Adelaide Mission 91-93 I spent 8 months in a Tongan Zone and loved the kakai and I am Maori living in Tasmania Australia I haven't lea Tongan for a very long time

[@tee2359]

Eric was one my old missionary’s who would visit us back in 2009 🙏

[@marcustuuhetoka1340]

Keep up the good work, btw your Tongan is on point. 👍

[@hisei4771]

THANK YOU FOR THISSSS!!!! I’m the only poly in the house that can’t speak Tongan but now I can learn thank you so much.

[@a.j.2243]

Sorta same for me, parents thought it would be harder for me if i learned tongan while growing up so they didnt but now that i want to learn it itll be even harder lol.

[@maviswharawhara7572]

Thankyou Andrew about time there's someone looking after the proper way of teaching about Tongan Language As you say in Tonga Malo Aupito..

[@TonganTomahawk]

Great video! please keep making these installments. Malo aupito Kulisi!

[@vaiholani8764]

Malo eiki this man has the heart of Adam I’m a half bread trying to learn my parents language just to have that one conversation thank you sir

[@LilCraftyNook]

So glad I found you. We have a Tongan church who uses our church facilities Sunday afternoons. I attended their services twice, and a dear Tongan church member just passed away. The church was packed as well as several outside in the courtyard!!

[@torahbeliever9363]

I just came across your video and I hope that you will post more it'll help me to speak more Tongan because I live in America and I have trouble speaking in Tongan

[@Lizardbrainzzz]

Ofa atu brother just wanted to say your pronunciation is on point ! Never heard a white boy let those words roll out his mouth so freely like that . Just beautiful bro keep it up !! And what a Beautiful family you have aswell man take them back to the states get them in the nfl and nba you could make your own team of athletes hahaha

[@fantasea114]

I live and work in the Riverland of South Australia, every fruit harvest season a big group of Tongans come to our town to pick the fruit and help with harvest. I work in the local grocery store and serve up to 50 Tongans a day and would love to surprise them with a greeting in their own language! Such beautiful people, and I want to show my appreciation for what they to for Australia. 🧡 So thank you for making the effort to educate us, it’s truly amazing of you.

[@TheCrispmen]

That's so nice of you to serve them and to connect with them there. They are wonderful people. Perhaps you could provide me your contact details somehow, so we could communicate more?

[@Signselect123]

Malo ‘aupito Kulisi. I’m not Tongan but Ive been to Nuku’alofa Tonga it’s a beautiful island and I learned a few words. Much appreciated that your learning n teaching the language so well👍👍please Post some more. Malo

[@kulisi]

You're blessed to have come :) thanks for watching

[@veteangesiale9619]

Your pronunciation is perfect 👌🏽 good on you. Malo aupito, coming from your wife's Ha'afeva people 😅 vhk 'ofa lahi atu

[@nirinafrancoisrazafindraho1673]

Hello, I'm Nirina, a Malagasy from Antananarivo, Madagascar. 'Tonga" means 'arrived" in Malagasy, and "vava'u" or "vaovao" in Malagasy is "new" in English. What amazing is Polynesian culture is very tied to Malagasy culture!

[@skeme1213]

Ko Fe'ofa'aki ou.. My father is tongan and my mother is Māori living in new zealand.. i know more māori then tongan.. if i want to learn, its up to me to teach my kids as well.. this is the most tongan ive learnt all my life. I feel alienated when im around my tongan family. I want to speak the language before i die. Thank you for this vid.

[@deevita7459]

Never feel like that.

[@kulisi]

I'll post more soon :)

[@lientjievanderwesthuizenva9252]

This is amazing thank you so much! 🧡

[@reglabrum6928]

Would love to learn it again have memories of 28 years ago serving in the New Zealand Auckland Mission

[@nosivea9249]

Ma'alahi !!! Toe 'ai pe ha'o 'u vitio peheni . 'ofa atu

[@silvertavake5615]

Goes to show it is never too late to learn!! Don’t intentionally forget your past!!!

[@hyphyking7823]

Love this!!!!!

[@jbtotalo2536]

Thanks toko love from kiwi land

[@cricketfilms4357]

Masiiii toko!! Na’a ku ngaue ‘I Longolongo! Na’a ku talanoa mo koe!

[@kulisi]

hei io kou manatui pe haha... Fefe hake famili?

[@simtauelangi5576]

nice one toko keep it up

[@tongaafu8794]

Tysm i’m full Tongan but born in NZ my parents speak Tongan but i cant really understand i’m only 12 and and i’m in the Tongan group for school and all the boys and girls speak mostly Tongan to each other and I feel left out because I can’t speak so thank you for posting this i maybe watching this 3 years after but tysm Malo ❤️❤️

[@TheCrispmen]

I understand the challenge my friend. Just how I felt when I came to Tonga. Just be patient with yourself, and it will come to you. 'ofa atu

[@tongaafu8794]

@@TheCrispmen ok thx my dads also teaching me about Tonga

[@melemakakaufaki1979]

Please continue to post!

[@vaimoanaowusu5854]

I love your video

[@nicocaiveau3266]

Dude! Thanks for this lesson I truly appreciate you taking time from your life and expressing this wonderful language 🤙🏼🌞

[@TheCrispmen]

My pleasure. I know I need to put together more videos :)

[@nicocaiveau3266]

@@TheCrispmen would you be willing to exchange contact information to help me understand more about getting started in Tonga. I have been living in Indonesia for the past 6 years and I have learned very well how things work around here but I'm thinking of changing locations to learn about a new culture and especially language. 😊

[@TheCrispmen]

@@nicocaiveau3266 yeah sure, just inbox me

[@TheCrispmen]

@@nicocaiveau3266 yes, certainly. Are you able to inbox me here on yt with your contact details?

[@millyess247]

thanks for doing this! my dad is half Tongan and I feel so left out at family parties when I can't understand a lot of what they are saying, thanks :)

[@kulisi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@uncurlydiykeratin7860]

This is a really great resource. Would you be willing to post a version without the background music? It's too distracting for me to follow along. Thanks!

[@saphirasmallman4628]

This is so helpful!

[@kulisi]

Glad to help!

[@sebastianjoachim3456]

Great video 🙏👌

[@jojot9228]

Wow his pronunciation is perfectttttt

[@meleseinikinikini3221]

I’m Tongan and I loveee the language

[@italyblue9387]

Keep it up brother

[@reglabrum6928]

I love the Tongan people spend two years among the Tongan people as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Saints the Mormons in the South Auckland area of New Zealand

[@losalatu801]

Oh my gahhhh, please help us Tongan misfits that don't know the language here in America!

[@troytubeyt8377]

I live Australia and I’m half tongan half lebo come here there’s a lot of islanders and arabs

[@Ivanaele]

I’m full blooded Tongan, but unfortunately cannot carry a conversation in Tongan. 3rd generation here in America. Both my parents speak it - my dad speaks fluently while my moms speaks more of a basic dialect. I love this! Malo aupito! 🇹🇴🥰❤️🤙🏾

[@kulisi]

Thank you for watching!

[@chasethebanke9663]

Could you help me speak Tongan my wife Is Tongan I’d love to surprise her

[@troytubeyt8377]

Ye I’m half tongan n not trying to be rude but she’s gonna call u a palangi 🤣 if u know what that means

[@x-man50]

xD

[@imagodtoya]

@@troytubeyt8377 I'm half samoan, my wife is full Tongan. I am a palangi in Tonga. You are a palangi in Samoa. No offence it is just what we are. Stayed in Tonga for 3 weeks. I would say 'Malo' often which confused Tongans and me because in Samoan, same word, is used more than just a greeting. Can be used as a 'thank you' or 'good work'. 'Malo e lelei' is used often in Samoan.

[@carlosmuller3565]

imagodtoya when?

[@carlosmuller3565]

Eva Tupouniua ok snowflake

[@lenifasi3148]

ofa ute thank you for talking about tonga

[@mearrtemoana4583]

Nice, thank you

[@nathan9368]

Interesting I want to learn Tongan

[@nokst6444]

Thank you

[@tongangurl310]

"Gong to funerals...and being with family" 💀😂😂 spot on lmao

[@Forthewin1436]

Video starts at 5:33, but the beginning is great info!

[@boxobanter3278]

Honestly I have no connection to Tonga, but the language sounds gorgeous so I might just learn a bit in case I can ever go over some day

[@nuiakoster8288]

I'm here repersenting the Vava'u bloodline malo 'aupito toko ho ako koe kau tama oku ikai ilo'i ha lea faka tonga and ur pronounciation is in point hopefull u visit to my country Vava'u again Ofa atu from Vava'u

[@jaqenhghar2970]

Vava'u represent. Vava'u (Houma) and Ha'apai ('Uiha) here.

[@kkshibo104]

I learned how the rest of my family did. We got beat with a belt by our grandpa whenever we spoke English

[@BigBankKuli]

Hi my name is kuli and my family is Tongan thanks for helping

[@Talakaiofficial]

Government workers should Learn How to Speak Tongan! I was a fluent Tongan speaking child up until the age of 10 and then I went into foster care and my foster mother requested that I stopped communicating with my family in Tongan because they did not know if we were setting them up, of course there were now interpreters at the time and ffwd to now I Lost my culture.

[@vaingalotamale9846]

Well done Kulisi Im Tonga myself and I do speak Tonga but I live in London and not many Tongan here but sometimes I really do miss speaking or talking in Tonga what I do is I call my family and friends in Australia and we talk in Tonga lol.

[@aganese4030]

Hi Vaingalo, you can call me then we'll have a talk, then you won't miss the language, ofa atu Nesi

[@k10gai7]

Fellow member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, here for support 🇼🇸💪

[@kulisi]

Thank you!! :)

[@suzannebonanni4509]

Good way to learn tongan was born in vanuatu and raise in new caledonia my dad is from tongan and my mum from a little island call wallis speack my mum langage very well anderstand my dad langage hardly speak went to school french so hopely by looking at your video i will learn our to speak very well tongan

[@LeaFaka-Tonga]

Can you speak Faka Uvea?

[@benjituihalamaka9714]

Thanks man trying to learn Tongan my culture wanna try and do it for my family yo know 10 years old basically yah want to be a true family member

[@kulisi]

I'll make more for you :)

[@maryamshafiq8314]

Thank you Kulisi xx

[@meki192]

John 3:16-17 God bless 🙏🏼

[@waltersemidey6704]

Aye Mate Ma'a Tonga. Thanks Toko

[@Milkman4279]

Where I work there are about a dozen Tongans. Their language sounds really cool.

[@kulisi]

Would be wild if you busted put some Tongan to them haha. They would be so surprised

[@worldtrigger9467]

Ha’apai is where my mum grew up

[@takangafeimoefiafi1760]

Awwe look at the queen lookin all pretty

[@wellmixed7269]

Ty

[@epenesatalia6141]

Keeep it up Mann ...post more videos ?!?

[@kulisi]

Yes I will for sure! :)

[@ultimatefluffballcavysherd104]

I am trying so hard to learn it to speak with my soon to be husbands familys

[@TotalbadassX]

I'm Tongan and I understand Tongan language, and I also speak Tongan but I'm a bit slow because I haven't been to tonga in a long time.

[@damiensatele7102]

We need Rosetta stone it's easier that way I think

[@quinnsanft4024]

Malo when's the next lesson coming?

[@code3citation]

I am fully Tongan I am technically related to the king of tonga

[@kulisi]

Awesome!

[@graniaschaaf7214]

Wow! So beautiful for a white guy speaking our language so perfect. Love it👍💞

[@unamoala5752]

Shot kuliC for sharing ofa lahi adu

[@trinamailelanimalungahumua5046]

I'm laughing because most of the phrases are what I heard during the 'hiding' moments of my upbringing...or 'chastening'...:)

[@zanetalovesyou]

Malo siana!

[@jonathanjimenez3893]

Ty bossman

[@nathanaeltuione8429]

Why did you stop the series? Any luck on a reboot?

[@l_l2361]

I’m Tongan and I want to communicate with my grandpa better. And my other family and maybe even surprise my parents

[@meletauhalaliku9713]

Malo Kulisi 💯

[@wahiawabound808]

my name is sione i live in hawaii my dad is from fua'amotu I can only say and understand some words since theirs no one else in my house to speak tongan to. 30 years ago i could actually speak it better when my dad had all his family around but i lost it and my dad had past away a couple years ago.

[@reglabrum6928]

I forgot to mention they know how to put together a good feed only thing missing with the cooked pigs Is the BBQ sauce it’s a American thing they love Mormon missionaries at least they did in New Zealand

[@Ana-l2h]

I am Tonga.i say hello in Tongan language where is 2 Words start with Tongan the first one Malo lelei but I the how to say the second word says hello in Tongan

[@chrisbloomfield834]

Kulisi (Chris :-) please consider doing a video of how to read and pronounce Island names. Australian sporting commentators, for instance, could benefit greatly from it!

[@kulisi]

oh bro that is sooo true hahaha... Thanks for the idea. Gonna do that for sure

[@chrisbloomfield834]

@@kulisi Malo toko

[@digbygotts3641]

Pity about the music dominating the sound track.

[@jmr.molesacc-4470]

Maloelelei

[@cannonballbob6949]

Is there like a university in Tonga where you can learn Tongan?

[@sosiuatuakoi8827]

hell yeah . Ha'afeva bloodline.

[@catherinecampbell1960]

Malo lala

[@user-im9ol8wt9e]

I need top speak with you ASAP

[@DmytroZinkiv]

Malo ‘ Aupito

[@leahinisi8221]

Malo Kulisi!

[@janetruderman2997]

I am hoping you can help with with an Tongan word. I am looking for the word for right (not left). I have found the word mata'u, which seems to mean right. But a site that I found had to'omata'u as the word for right. Is to'o a prefix? If so, what does it mean? Thank-you for your help!

[@jaqenhghar2970]

from what I can remember, you treat "toʻomātaʻu" as an adjective, whereas "mataʻu" is a noun. So like say you're in a car with a friend and you tell them to make a right, you'd say something like, *'alu hangatonu pea mata'u leva he maama.* (Go straight and then turn/make a right at the light). And in the Tongan Bible; Book of Psalms 118: 16 *"Kuo hiki hake 'a e nima to'omāta'u 'o Jihova"* (The right hand of Jehovah is lifted up). Hopefully this helps! :)

[@kayliejones3670]

How do you pronounce the name “Kaivao”?

[@mikemailei4491]

Fefe Kulisi. Are you still teaching and making videos?

[@maryscott945]

I am from tong😊😊😊😊😘😘😘😘