Timothy Detudamo

Timothy Detudamo (b. in Uaboe, d. in April 1953) was a Nauruan politician and linguist. He was the father of Buraro Detudamo. He is known as the founder of modern Nauruan society.

Religious and linguistic activities

In his younger years he was a pastor.

In 1917 Detudamo travelled with Philip Delaporte, whom he had assisted in creating a Nauruan dictionary, to the United States to assist him in translating religious scripts to Nauruan. To finance the travel, Detudamo needed USD 500 (a lot of money at the time) which he raised by way of donations. He stayed in the U.S. until 1921.

Around 1940 he tried to reform the Nauruan language by making it more understandable for Europeans and Americans. However, his reforms were not widely adopted and today the old orthography continues to be more common. Despite this, he is considered the most important Nauruan linguist. He spoke five languages: Nauruan, German, English, Marshallese and Gilbertese.

Political role

In 1921 Detudamo returned to Nauru from the U.S. and became politically active. In 1928 Detudamo was elected head chief of Nauru. He held office until 1942.

Until June 30, 1943, Detudamo was Governor of Nauru, when in World War II he was deported to Truk by Japanese invaders, along with most of the Nauruan population. On January 31, 1946, he became again head chief of Nauru, until the Nauruan executive was professionalized and modernized on December 18, 1951. Following the reforms, Detudamo was the head of Nauru's government until he died in April 1953.