Whites in Tahiti: What Term is Used?
In the world and more particularly in the overseas territories, the choice of the appropriate term to designate such or such a group of people is sometimes complex. A cultural and/or linguistic proximity can explain certain designations, in particular those relating to Whites in Tahiti. In order to better understand this territorial reality and this apparent semantic confusion, the term used to designate this community is often the starting point.
Use of the term “Pāpā” to designate white people in Tahiti
For several years, the term “Pāpā”, from Tahitian, has been generalized to designate this ethnic group mainly composed of Europeans living in Tahiti. It is simply the very word that is used to designate the father and/or the head of the family. For its definition, we refer in particular to the Tahitian dictionary which defines this term as “a white person”. The white flesh is then the main element represented by this term.
It is not rare either to find in the popular register and completely diverted the term “Palangi”. The latter is truly an abbreviation and is particularly used in the world of surfing. This term comes from the Maori word “Palagi” which means “White”. Although little considered by language protection associations and of course even less by the “Pāpā” themselves, the fact remains that this term is very popular with young people, especially in the register with the famous name ” My Palangi”.
The term “Pāpā”, a welcome term?
Although this term is adopted and accepted by the population of Tahiti as a whole, the term “Pāpā” remains slightly double-edged. This is indeed the term that is given to white people in Tahiti, although it is not necessarily the very term that is claimed by these people. In local perception, a Pāpā is often considered a white person who lives in Tahiti, but not necessarily considered “Polynesian”.
It therefore seems unfair and very often improper to use this term to describe all the people who plan to become full members of their community and who are really investing in integrating Tahitian culture. To represent these new “backbones” of the community, the term “Pāhoa” meaning “outsider” is sometimes used to refer to this group.
Conclusion
The terms “Pāpā” and “Palangi” are indeed anchored in the whole of the population and local usages, they are nevertheless not always so welcome and considered as being markers of integration, despite many efforts on the part of of those who want to get involved in appropriating Tahitian culture. In their language and practices, many Pacific communities put the “Pahoas” (outsider) back on the path to understanding, friendship and mutual respect.
So when we designate this community and to avoid any misunderstanding and of course to avoid that we feel bad in passing, the term “Pahoas” is to be preferred. From a global point of view, this is the most neutral and appropriate term. It makes it possible to avoid any reference to ethnic origin and thus any violent judgment on the identity of a community.
Keywords: Uses, Tahiti, Term, Flesh, White