Tongan Language Week is for us all
Malo ‘aupito,
As the eldest daughter of a Tongan migrant father and a New Zealand European mother I amso excited about Uike Ka¯toanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga; Tongan Language Week. A week where Faka-Tonga, Tongan ways of being and knowing are promoted and shared with our communities around Nu’u Sila (New Zealand). Although I amnew to many aspects of Tongan culture, particularly language, I amproud to identify as Tongan and Tongan Language Week is another opportunity for my family and I to learn more about our ancestral links to Tonga, the Friendly Islands.
Many events are happening here in South Auckland this week. A Google search will provide you with all the information about different events such as arts and crafts, language workshops and Tau’olunga (dance) classes. Getting involved and putting yourself out there to learn something new about Tongan culture can be daunting, and I understand this. I took this daunting step when I enrolled in a Tongan language course through the Pasifika Education Centre at Manukau Institute of Technology. Going along to language classes, as well as Tau’olunga and craft classes has been a highlight not only for me but my daughter as well. The best thing about these classes is not only the learning that happens but the fact that they are free. What a wonderful community we live in where we can learn about Pacific heritage free with other members of our community.
Kai pe¯ lea – Speech becomes food.
The Tongan language is a key aspect of the Tongan culture, and the Tongan language has nourished me, my soul and who I am as a Tongan New Zealander. I laugh at myself because my speech is so broken when it comes to speaking Tonga, but I continue to try and learn. I ampretty sure I drive my Tongan relations crazy with my attempts at communicating, but I feel this is what learning and Tongan Language Week is all about. It is about coming together to celebrate Tongan culture, celebrate the diversity in our communities and the unique languages we have.
Tongan Language Week might showcase the jewels of the Friendly Islands of Tonga, but they are jewels that welcome and encourage others to part-take. This week is not just about Tongan people or only for Tongan people; it is a chance for everyone to learn and understand more about Tongan culture and practices. An opportunity to meet more members of your local communities. I hope you hear the welcoming call of the Tongan community this week and join in the activities that are happening within your communities. Tongan Language Week is for us all, a chance to share in the rich culture and diversity we have here in South Auckland, a way of celebrating who we are.