In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by Maui reaches an impetuous Chieftain's daughter's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the demigod to set things right.
"Moana" tells the story of a brave Polynesian princess who sets sail on a journey to save her island. She teams up with a demigod, Maui, to return the stolen heart of the goddess Te Fiti. Along the way, they face many challenges, like navigating by the stars ("wayfinding"), battling coconut pirates ("Kakamora"), and confronting a lava monster ("Te Kā"). The movie is full of useful vocabulary related to the ocean, nature, and Polynesian culture. For example, you'll learn words like "reef," "lagoon," "voyage," "demigod," and "island." This movie explores themes of identity, courage, and following your dreams, expressed through a range of emotions from fear and sadness to joy and determination. The language used is a mix of modern English and some Polynesian words, making it engaging and accessible. You'll hear lots of dialogue, songs, and storytelling, which can help you improve your listening comprehension, pronunciation, and understanding of different English-speaking accents. The songs are especially helpful for learning rhythm, intonation, and common phrases. "Moana" also showcases beautiful imagery and animation, which can help you understand the story even if you don't catch every word. Learning English with "Moana" can be a fun and effective way to improve your language skills. The captivating storyline and memorable characters will keep you motivated, while the varied vocabulary and language use will expand your knowledge. The songs are catchy and easy to sing along to, helping you practice your pronunciation and fluency. Because it's an animated movie, the visuals provide context and make it easier to follow the story. Plus, you'll learn about Polynesian culture and mythology, making your learning experience even more enriching.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Moana: