Kalama is a word that is spelled with five letters and pronounced as /kəˈlɑːmə/. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, the first syllable is pronounced as "kuh" with a short vowel "ə", followed by the stress on the second syllable "la". The third and fourth syllables sound like "mah" with a long "a" sound, and the final "a" in the word is pronounced with a short "ə" sound. The spelling of the word "Kalama" is consistent with the IPA phonetic transcription of its pronunciation.
Kalama is a noun that primarily refers to an ethnic group residing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. The term can also designate their distinct language, recognized as one of the Austronesian languages. The Kalama people are a Polynesian group, originating from the Micronesian region. Their population estimates around 37,000 individuals, mainly inhabiting the southeastern administrative atolls of Majuro, Arno, and Maloelap.
Culturally, the Kalama community is known for their rich tradition, primarily centered around fishing and boat building. They possess an intricate knowledge of the ocean, relying on canoes and expertise in navigation to travel between the Marshall Islands’ numerous atolls. Historically, the Kalama people have displayed strong ties to their land and have practiced traditional forms of agriculture, including cultivating taro, breadfruit, and coconut.
Furthermore, Kalama can also refer to a surname. It is derived from various origins, with one notable origin being Hawaiian. In this context, Kalama can be understood as a given name infused with cultural significance. It is often associated with calmness, tranquility, and peace. The name Kalama has also been used in different cultures as a metaphorical representation of spiritual clarity and enlightenment.
In conclusion, Kalama pertains to an indigenous ethnic group and their language in the Marshall Islands, as well as a surname with various origins, lending itself as a symbol of calmness and tranquility.