STORYTELLING

Marshallese knowledge is traditionally passed down orally, from grandparents to youth. Marshallese use storytelling to share history, traditions, information about life in the Marshall Islands, and parables. Someone who demonstrates their knowledge of traditional culture is often described as having "laid their head on their grandparent's shoulder."

Written Marshallese was first produced by missionaries who transcribed hymns and books of the New Testament. A Marshallese English Dictionary was produced in the 1970s and is considered the official spelling, though elders often still use the "Bible spelling."