Who this is for
The diaspora child in Oregon trying to learn the words their grandparents spoke. The kid in Saipan whose first language is English. The linguist citing a source. The journalist looking up a word. Anyone, anywhere, free.
What it is
A growing public dictionary of Refaluwasch — the Carolinian language of the people of the Caroline Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. Headwords, meanings, register, usage notes, and cultural context where it matters.
How it's built
Compiled by Islander Connect from community contributions, scholarly sources consulted for cross-reference, and original research and editing by our team. Definitions are written in modern, plain English. The language itself belongs to its speakers — facts about Refaluwasch words and their meanings are not anyone's property.
We acknowledge published reference works on Carolinian as part of the historical record of the language and consult them where useful. Original creative expression in those works remains with their authors and publishers.
License
Entries authored or contributed through Islander Connect are released under CC BY-SA 4.0 — free to use, share, and build on, with attribution and same-license redistribution.
Cultural stewardship
The Refaluwasch language is the inheritance of the Refaluwasch people. Islander Connect stewards this digital dictionary as a service to the community — not as an owner. Native speakers, elders, and cultural authorities are the final word on meaning, usage, and appropriateness.
Found something wrong?
Tell us. The fastest way is to ask Isla or send us a note. Corrections from native speakers move to the front.