The 15 quiz questions
Question 1 : How do you say "hello" in Tahitian?
Possible answers:
- Ia ora na
- Maeva
- Mauruuru
- Nana
Explanation: "Ia ora na" is the traditional Tahitian greeting. It literally means "may you live" and reflects the importance of life and well-being in Polynesian culture.
Question 2 : How many letters does the Tahitian alphabet have?
Possible answers:
- 13
- 16
- 20
- 26
Explanation: The Tahitian alphabet (reo tahiti) has only 13 letters: 5 vowels (a, e, i, o, u) and 8 consonants (f, h, m, n, p, r, t, v). It is one of the shortest alphabets in the world.
Question 3 : How many Polynesian languages are spoken in French Polynesia?
Possible answers:
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 12
Explanation: Seven Polynesian languages coexist: Tahitian (reo mā'ohi), Marquesan, Paumotu, Mangarevan, Rapa, Mangareva and Pa'umotu of the Austral Islands. Tahitian is the most widely spoken.
Question 4 : Which traditional Polynesian tattoo inspired the word "tattoo"?
Possible answers:
- The tiki
- The tatau
- The pe'a
- The moko
Explanation: The word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian "tatau," meaning "to strike." Polynesian tattooing is a sacred art where each pattern tells the story, social rank and achievements of the wearer.
Question 5 : What is the name of the traditional Tahitian dance?
Possible answers:
- 'Ori tahiti
- Tamure
- Siva
- Haka
Explanation: 'Ori tahiti is the traditional dance of Tahiti, characterized by rapid hip movements. Banned by missionaries in the 19th century, it was revitalized in the 20th century and is now part of the cultural heritage.
Question 6 : What is the largest Polynesian cultural festival?
Possible answers:
- Hawaiki Nui
- Matavaa
- Heiva i Tahiti
- Tere Fa'ati
Explanation: Heiva i Tahiti, celebrated every July, is the largest cultural gathering in Polynesia. It combines dance competitions, singing, traditional sports and crafts, and dates back to the national celebration of 1881.
Question 7 : What is the culinary specialty made with raw fish and coconut milk?
Possible answers:
- Ceviche
- Poke bowl
- Sashimi
- Poisson cru à la tahitienne
Explanation: Poisson cru à la tahitienne is the national dish of Polynesia. Fresh tuna is marinated in lime juice then mixed with coconut milk, crunchy vegetables and served chilled.
Question 8 : What is the iconic local beer of French Polynesia?
Possible answers:
- Mana
- Hinano
- Vahine
- Taravana
Explanation: Hinano, brewed in Tahiti since 1955, is the iconic beer of Polynesia. Its logo features a vahine (Polynesian woman) with a tiare flower, and its name means "girl" in Tahitian.
Question 9 : What traditional sport is the most popular in French Polynesia?
Possible answers:
- Pétanque
- Football
- Va'a (outrigger canoe)
- Surfing
Explanation: Va'a (outrigger canoeing) is the top sport in Polynesia. The Hawaiki Nui Va'a, a canoe race between Huahine, Raiatea and Bora Bora over 3 days, is the most followed sporting event in the territory.
Question 10 : Which Disney movie is inspired by Polynesian culture?
Possible answers:
- Lilo & Stitch
- Raya and the Last Dragon
- Moana
- Encanto
Explanation: Moana (Vaiana in French), released in 2016, tells the story of a young Polynesian navigator. The film was made after extensive research with South Pacific communities.
Question 11 : Which famous actor bought the island of Tetiaroa in 1966?
Possible answers:
- Paul Newman
- Marlon Brando
- Steve McQueen
- Kirk Douglas
Explanation: Marlon Brando fell in love with Tetiaroa during the filming of "Mutiny on the Bounty" in 1962. He bought the atoll in 1966 and lived there for part of his life. Today, the island houses a luxury eco-resort.
Question 12 : Which European navigator first set foot on Tahiti in 1767?
Possible answers:
- James Cook
- Louis-Antoine de Bougainville
- Abel Tasman
- Samuel Wallis
Explanation: British captain Samuel Wallis was the first European to land on Tahiti on June 18, 1767, one year before Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and two years before James Cook.
Question 13 : Which famous French painter lived and died in the Marquesas Islands?
Possible answers:
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Paul Gauguin
- Henri Matisse
- Claude Monet
Explanation: Paul Gauguin settled in the Marquesas in 1901, fleeing Western civilization. He painted some of his most famous works there before dying in Atuona (Hiva Oa) in 1903.
Question 14 : In what year did French Polynesia become an overseas collectivity?
Possible answers:
- 1958
- 1984
- 1996
- 2004
Explanation: French Polynesia became an overseas collectivity (COM) in 2004, through the organic law of February 27. This status grants it broad autonomy in many areas, particularly tax and land matters.
Question 15 : Which ancestral people is linked to the Polynesian Triangle's New Zealand corner?
Possible answers:
- The Fijians
- The Maori
- The Samoans
- The Tongans
Explanation: The Maori of New Zealand (Aotearoa) share common ancestors with the Polynesians of Tahiti. Their oral traditions tell of canoe migrations from Hawaiki, the mythical place of origin.




