Course outline
Module 1
Module 1: Introduction to French Polynesia
Introduction to French Polynesia
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the capital of French Polynesia?
- A. Papeete ✓
- B. Tahiti
- C. Bora Bora
- D. Moorea
Why: Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti.
Q2. Which of the following is a major island in French Polynesia?
- A. Hawaii
- B. New Zealand
- C. Tahiti ✓
- D. Australia
Why: Tahiti is a major island in French Polynesia, known for its beautiful landscapes and culture.
Q3. What is the largest atoll in French Polynesia?
- A. Fakarava
- B. Rangiroa ✓
- C. Tikehau
- D. Manihi
Why: Rangiroa is the largest atoll in French Polynesia and is part of the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Q4. What is the approximate population of French Polynesia?
- A. 10,000
- B. 200,000 ✓
- C. 1,000,000
- D. 500,000
Why: The population of French Polynesia is approximately 200,000 people.
Q5. Which of the following is a famous lagoon in French Polynesia?
- A. Lake Titicaca
- B. Lagoon of Bora Bora ✓
- C. Great Barrier Reef
- D. Red Sea
Why: The Lagoon of Bora Bora is a famous and stunning lagoon located in French Polynesia.
Module 2
Module 2: Tahiti: Culture and History
Tahiti: Culture and History
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the capital of French Polynesia?
- A. Papeete ✓
- B. Tahiti
- C. Bora Bora
- D. Raiatea
Why: Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and is located on the island of Tahiti.
Q2. Which of the following is a traditional Tahitian dance?
- A. Hula
- B. Tīpiti ✓
- C. Flamenco
- D. Ballet
Why: Tīpiti is a traditional Tahitian dance that involves rhythmic movements and is often performed during cultural events.
Q3. What is the name of the Tahitian god of war and the ocean?
- A. Tane
- B. Rangi
- C. Māui
- D. Tāwhiri ✓
Why: Tāwhiri is the Tahitian god of war and the ocean, and is part of the traditional Tahitian mythology.
Q4. What is the primary language spoken in Tahiti?
- A. English
- B. French ✓
- C. Spanish
- D. Tahitian
Why: French is the primary language spoken in Tahiti, although Tahitian is also widely used in everyday life.
Q5. Which of the following is a famous lagoon in French Polynesia?
- A. Lagoon of Moorea
- B. Lagoon of Tahiti
- C. Lagoon of Bora Bora ✓
- D. Lagoon of Huahine
Why: The Lagoon of Bora Bora is one of the most famous and beautiful lagoons in French Polynesia, known for its turquoise waters and coral reefs.
Module 3
Module 3: Bora Bora: Natural Beauty and Ecology
Bora Bora: Natural Beauty and Ecology
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the main natural feature that defines Bora Bora's landscape?
- A. Lava fields
- B. Lagoon and coral reef ✓
- C. Mountains
- D. Beaches
Why: Bora Bora is renowned for its stunning lagoon and coral reef system, which are central to its natural beauty and ecological importance.
Q2. Which of the following is a major threat to Bora Bora's marine ecosystem?
- A. Overfishing
- B. Tourism
- C. Pollution
- D. All of the above ✓
Why: Overfishing, tourism, and pollution all pose significant threats to Bora Bora's marine ecosystem, affecting its biodiversity and health.
Q3. What is the name of the mountain located in the center of Bora Bora?
- A. Mount Otemanu ✓
- B. Mount Tefua
- C. Mount Punaauia
- D. Mount Terevaka
Why: Mount Otemanu is the central mountain of Bora Bora and is a prominent feature of the island's landscape.
Q4. Which of the following is a protected area in Bora Bora?
- A. The lagoon ✓
- B. The village of Vaitape
- C. The airport area
- D. The hotel zones
Why: The lagoon surrounding Bora Bora is a protected area, recognized for its ecological significance and biodiversity.
Q5. What is the primary reason for the conservation efforts in Bora Bora?
- A. To increase tourism revenue
- B. To preserve marine and terrestrial ecosystems ✓
- C. To develop infrastructure
- D. To promote cultural heritage
Why: Conservation efforts in Bora Bora are primarily aimed at preserving its rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Module 4
Module 4: Polynesian Mythology and Traditions
Polynesian Mythology and Traditions
Knowledge check
Q1. Who is the creator god in Polynesian mythology?
- A. Tane ✓
- B. Rangi
- C. Tangaroa
- D. Hine
Why: Tane is considered the creator god in many Polynesian traditions, responsible for creating the first humans and shaping the world.
Q2. What is the name of the sacred stone in Tahiti that is believed to have spiritual powers?
- A. Moai
- B. Teva ✓
- C. Manu'a
- D. Tahiti Iti
Why: Teva is a sacred stone in Tahiti, believed to possess spiritual powers and used in traditional rituals.
Q3. Which Polynesian god is associated with the sea and fishing?
- A. Tane
- B. Rangi
- C. Tangaroa ✓
- D. Hine
Why: Tangaroa is the Polynesian god of the sea and fishing, often revered by fishermen for protection and prosperity.
Q4. What is the traditional Polynesian dance performed during celebrations called?
- A. Hula
- B. Tapa
- C. Haka
- D. Tamure ✓
Why: Tamure is the traditional Polynesian dance performed during celebrations in French Polynesia, known for its graceful movements and cultural significance.
Q5. Which of the following is a traditional Polynesian navigational technique?
- A. Star navigation ✓
- B. Compass navigation
- C. Map navigation
- D. GPS navigation
Why: Star navigation, also known as wayfinding, is a traditional Polynesian navigational technique that uses the stars, ocean swells, and other natural signs to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean.
Module 5
Module 5: Exploring Local Cuisine
Exploring Local Cuisine
Knowledge check
Q1. What is a traditional Tahitian dish made from breadfruit, coconut milk, and fish?
- A. Poulet en sauce
- B. Pousses de bambou
- C. Tamaà ✓
- D. Poulet rôti
Why: Tamaà is a traditional Tahitian dish made from breadfruit, coconut milk, and fish, often cooked in an earth oven.
Q2. Which of the following is a popular local drink in French Polynesia?
- A. Kava ✓
- B. Rum Punch
- C. Tequila Sunrise
- D. Mojito
Why: Kava is a traditional drink made from the roots of the kava plant and is popular in French Polynesia.
Q3. What is the main ingredient in the Tahitian dish called "Tamaà"?
- A. Coconut
- B. Breadfruit ✓
- C. Pineapple
- D. Banana
Why: The main ingredient in Tamaà is breadfruit, which is cooked with fish and coconut milk.
Q4. Which of the following is a common type of seafood found in the local cuisine of Bora Bora?
- A. Shrimp
- B. Lobster
- C. Crab
- D. Fish ✓
Why: Fish is a common type of seafood found in the local cuisine of Bora Bora, often prepared in various traditional ways.
Q5. What is the name of the traditional Tahitian method of cooking food using an underground oven?
- A. Grilling
- B. Boiling
- C. Roasting
- D. Hângi ✓
Why: Hângi is the traditional Tahitian method of cooking food using an underground oven, where food is wrapped in leaves and buried in hot volcanic rock.
Module 6
Module 6: Sustainable Tourism in French Polynesia
Sustainable Tourism in French Polynesia
Knowledge check
Q1. What is one of the main goals of sustainable tourism in French Polynesia?
- A. To increase the number of tourists regardless of environmental impact
- B. To protect the environment and preserve local culture ✓
- C. To build more luxury resorts
- D. To promote only French cuisine
Why: Sustainable tourism aims to minimize negative impacts on the environment and support local communities and traditions.
Q2. Which of the following is a common practice in sustainable tourism in French Polynesia?
- A. Using single-use plastics extensively
- B. Promoting eco-friendly transportation like electric boats ✓
- C. Ignoring local customs to accommodate tourists
- D. Overfishing to provide fresh seafood for tourists
Why: Eco-friendly transportation helps reduce the environmental footprint of tourism activities.
Q3. What is a benefit of involving local communities in tourism initiatives?
- A. It increases pollution levels
- B. It helps preserve traditional knowledge and practices ✓
- C. It reduces the number of tourists visiting the area
- D. It leads to the loss of cultural identity
Why: Involving local communities ensures that tourism supports and preserves their heritage and traditions.
Q4. Which of the following is an example of sustainable accommodation in French Polynesia?
- A. A large resort with high energy consumption
- B. A hotel that uses solar power and recycles waste ✓
- C. A hotel that uses only non-renewable energy sources
- D. A hotel that does not provide any environmental education to guests
Why: Using renewable energy and recycling are key components of sustainable accommodation practices.
Q5. How can tourists contribute to sustainable tourism in French Polynesia?
- A. By ignoring local regulations and guidelines
- B. By respecting local customs and minimizing waste ✓
- C. By consuming as much as possible to support the local economy
- D. By using non-eco-friendly products during their stay
Why: Respecting local customs and minimizing waste helps ensure that tourism remains sustainable and beneficial for the environment and local communities.
Module 7
Module 7: Language and Communication Basics
Language and Communication Basics
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the most commonly spoken language in French Polynesia?
- A. English
- B. French ✓
- C. Spanish
- D. Polynesian
Why: French is the official language and is widely spoken in French Polynesia.
Q2. Which of the following is a common greeting in Tahitian?
- A. Bonjour
- B. Talofa ✓
- C. Kia ora
- D. Mālama
Why: Talofa is a common greeting in Tahitian, meaning "hello" or "welcome."
Q3. What does the word "Tahiti" mean in the Tahitian language?
- A. Island of beauty ✓
- B. Place of peace
- C. Land of gods
- D. Heart of the ocean
Why: In Tahitian, "Tahiti" is believed to mean "Island of beauty."
Q4. Which of the following is a Polynesian language?
- A. Italian
- B. Hawaiian ✓
- C. German
- D. Portuguese
Why: Hawaiian is a Polynesian language, like Tahitian and Māori.
Q5. What is the correct way to say "Thank you" in Tahitian?
- A. Merci
- B. Talofa
- C. Mahalo ✓
- D. Aloha
Why: In Tahitian, "Mahalo" is used to say "Thank you."