Leilani Kaimana

Public Speaker, research, and Life Coach in 1456 University Avenue, Auckland 1010, New Zealand, 1010

I am Dr. Leilani Kaimana (b. 1982, New Zealand), PhD professor in Pacific linguistics. I lead language revitalization with RGS Fellowship & UNESCO Chair credentials.

jobTitle: Leilani Kaimana aka Leilani Rose Kaimana-Smith, currently Professor of Pacific Linguistics & Oral History at the University of Auckland, Department of Pacific Studies

Education

  • PhD in Pacific Linguistics, Australian National University (2012)
  • MA in Anthropological Linguistics, University of Hawaii (2008)
  • BA in Pacific History & Languages, Victoria University of Wellington (2005)

knowsAbout: Polynesian languages evolution, oral tradition preservation, Pacific migration patterns, traditional knowledge systems, cultural linguistics, mythology and folklore, genealogical research, digital humanities applications in Pacific studies, indigenous language revitalization

Awards

  • Royal Geographical Society Fellowship (2023)
  • Pacific Linguistics Society Distinguished Scholar Award (2021)
  • New Zealand Royal Society Te Apārangi Research Medal (2019)
  • UNESCO Chair in Pacific Languages Documentation (2018)
  • Wenner-Gren Foundation Anthropological Research Grant (2016)

Contact

  • 1456 University Avenue, Auckland 1010, New Zealand, 1010
  • Mobile 64 9 555 0376
  • Email [email protected]