Based in Fiji, Dr Koraa’i’s journey reflects both the personal and communal importance of language and culture, and her commitment to sharing her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect and sustain the languages of the Pacific Islands.
Dr Maryanne Koraa’i works as a freelance paediatrician, with a special focus on paediatric cardiology. Her passion for paediatric echocardiography and advocacy for building local capacity in the Pacific Islands stems from the prevalence of conditions such as Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), which continue to be leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the region’s already strained health systems.
“Early detection can save lives in our setting where RHD and CHD contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality.”
Dr Koraa’i’s work is not only about medicine; it’s about creating lasting change in the Pacific Islands by empowering local communities with knowledge and tools to address their own healthcare challenges. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Dr Koraa’i is a proud mother of five children and shares her life and home with her husband, also a Solomon Islander, who works in the field of adult cardiology. Together, they are raising their children with a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage.
"I hail from Tarapaina/Are’are with maternal links to West Kwaio, Malaita Province in Solomon Islands." The name Maasina—which means 'brother' or 'sister' in her mother tongue—is more than just a title. For Dr Koraa’i and many others from Are’are, it is a powerful symbol of identity.
“Having this name is a form of identity. The people from Are’are region call each other Maasina," she reflects.
Like many Pacific Islanders living abroad, Dr Koraa’i faces the challenge of ensuring that her children maintain their connection to the language of their heritage.
“Our children, born in Fiji, unfortunately, are not fluent in our Are’are language. I now realise the importance of being able to speak our language. I see how my children are eager to learn our language, culture, and traditions,” Dr Koraa’i shares.
This growing awareness has led her to take a more active role in passing on their cultural practices and language to her children. “Knowing about their heritage gives them a feeling of identity and belonging.”
The theme of this year’s Solomon Islands Language Week is “Protektim langguis an kalsa blong yumi” – “Protect our language and culture,” a sentiment that resonates with Dr Koraa’i.
“Solomon Islands, as part of the larger Pacific Islands family, where cultural and linguistic diversity is vast but often overlooked, is at the forefront of this challenge,” Dr Koraa’i says.
As Dr Koraa’i points out, the struggles of Solomon Islanders are shared across the Pacific region.
“We all face similar challenges, including urbanisation, migration, and the dominance of English, which can threaten native languages.”
Solomon Islands Language Week reminds us that protecting our languages and cultures is everyone’s responsibility. It is not just about celebrating the languages of the past; it is about ensuring they have a place in the future. Language is not just a tool of communication; it is the keeper of history, traditions, and identity.
“Language is a cornerstone of identity across the Pacific Islands, including the Solomon Islands,” she says.
Her aspirations are simple yet profound: “I will continue to proudly speak my mother tongue and put more effort into inspiring my children and the younger generation to learn and embrace their heritage.”
