Pronunciation: [ɐlˈɑːlə] (IPA) 
The word "Alala" is spelled as /əˈlɑːlə/. The first letter 'a' is pronounced as the schwa sound /ə/. The following 'l' is pronounced as /l/. The letter 'a' after 'l' is pronounced as /ɑː/. The second 'l' is pronounced as /l/ again, and the final 'a' is pronounced as the schwa sound /ə/. This word does not have a specific meaning in English, but it is the name of a Greek goddess of war cry.
Alala refers to a bird species widely recognized as the Hawaiian crow, scientifically known as Corvus hawaiiensis. This particular bird is a native and critically endangered species found exclusively in the Hawaiian archipelago, primarily on the Big Island of Hawaii. With a distinct appearance, the Alala features jet-black plumage, a sturdy beak, and sharp claws. Historically, they inhabited a variety of forested ecosystems, feeding on fruits, seeds, insects, and other small animals.
In terms of cultural significance, the Alala occupies a prominent position in Hawaiian mythology and folklore. Revered as an 'aumakua' or ancestral guardian spirit, it is associated with various spiritual meanings and often symbolizes intelligence, wisdom, and adaptability. The Alala's distinctive vocalizations, including a variety of caws and calls, were historically heard across the islands.
Unfortunately, the Alala population drastically declined over the past century due to habitat loss, predation, disease, and human impact. As a result, the species is considered critically endangered, with only a handful of individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts have been implemented to preserve and restore the Alala population, including captive breeding programs, habitat protection, and predator control.
The Alala's plight serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of native Hawaiian species and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
The word "Alala" has multiple possible origins, depending on the context it is used in. Here are the two notable meanings for it:
1. In Greek Mythology (Alala): According to Greek mythology, Alala was the female personification of the war-cry or battle-cry. She was associated with the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. The etymology of Alala in this context comes from the Greek word "ἀλαλή" (alalḗ), which is an onomatopoeic representation of the ululating cry or shout used during battles.
2. In the Hawaiian language (‘Alalā): 'Alalā is the Hawaiian name for the Hawaiian crow (Corvus hawaiiensis), a critically endangered species of bird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
