In the pre-contact Hawaiian language, the word "mele" referred to any kind of poetic expression, though it now translates as "song". The two kinds of Hawaiian chanting were "mele oli" and "mele hula". The first were a cappella individual songs, while the latter were accompanied dance music performed by a group. The chanters were known as "haku mele" and were highly trained composers and performers. Some kinds of chants express emotions like angst and affection, or request a favor from another person. Other chants are for specific purposes like naming, ("mele inoa"), prayer ("mele pule"), surfing ("mele he'e nalu") and genealogical recitations ("mele koihonua"). Mele chants were governed by strict rules, and were performed in a number of styles include the rapid "kepakepa" and the enunciate "koihonua".