UU204: PACIFIC WORLDS
REFLECTION 1:
What does it mean to be a
Pacific Islander today and in
the future to me?
NAME: NEHA NAMRATA LAL
ID: S11160292
The Pacific Ocean is one of the largest oceanic divisions of the world which comprises of
many different and unique languages which are adapted by the different islander groups as
a part of their cultural practices. The variety of languages and resources brings about
unique and ancient historic tales that are valuable to the residents of the respective islands.
Hence, according to the videos of this unit I understood the fact that the more population
increases in the Pacific the more resources are endangered.
Moreover, it is a great honour for me to be a Pacific islander. However with great honour
brings about greater responsibilities. The responsibility requires one to be able to sustain
and preserve the valuable culture and ancient history of the respective island one resides in.
According to Bonville (2012), “History teaches us many things, most importantly, the things
that made us who and what we are”. Each and every island in the region is made up of
various myths and legends that make up what the island is today. Every individual that is
living in the Pacific including me has the responsibility upon them to always keep the culture
and values alive. Thus, keeping the different cultures and resources preserved and alive is a
tough thing to do in this modern era.
Moving on, it is now seen that the Pacific is in a developing stage whereby most of the
Pacific islanders are migrating to urban cities or adapting the western culture in their lives.
As per Rizal (n.d), “The youth is the hope of our future” which means it’s our duty to
preserve the Pacific. For instance, in Fiji today the concrete jungle is overpowering the bures
although the Fijian culture taught its believers to be making and living in those bures.
However, there are also possibilities that today mostly Fijians are not even well aware of
how to make bures.
Additionally, the Pacific is already at the edge of losing its valuable identity through its
depleting culture and resources. In order to save the extinction of the cultural practices in
future, the nation is trying its best to revive the dying traditions such as by making students
take subjects in schools, colleges and even in universities such as social science and history.
By being born into and still living in this Pacific region I have seen and learnt so many
cultural histories and legends that make Fiji islands unique in the entire world. Thus, it can
be said that governments are trying their best to save the country’s culture and resources.
Therefore, being a Pacific islander means a lot to me. Even though my race is of an Indian
but it makes me feel proud of being called a Fijian and the moment gets even more special
when I as an individual get to represent my country or even the Pacific when I get to
introduce myself in front of a tourist or whenever I get to visit other countries. Unless and
until, everyone plays their part well in ensuring the Pacific is being remembered for its
natural beauty, the Pacific would be lost in the future years.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Online sites
Bonville,R.,(2012), “Voyages of Malolo”, Good Reads,(October 11),(16 February),
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/641469-history-teaches-us-many-things-most-
importantly-the-things-that
Rizal,J.,(n.d), “Jose Rizal Quotes”, Brainy Quote,(15 February),
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/jose_rizal_244773
Video from Moodle-:
Thomas,F.,(2018), “Week 2 video”,UU204: Pacific Worlds,(13 July),(12 February 2019),
(online) https://elearn.usp.ac.fj/course/view.php?id=2059
HI Neha
Apart from minor grammatical and syntactical inaccuracies, you fell into a generalized narrative. I
would have liked a more personal reflection. You did not fully answer the question. Acceptable
work, but not satisfactory.
If you need further clarification you may see me in the UU204 Hub during my consultation hours or
arrange a time with me.
