Keeping our M¯aori language alive
OPINION: I started learning te reo Ma¯ ori when I left high school.
At the time, I had returned from Japan on a Japanese language scholarship.
Upon my return, a respected Kaumatua had asked why I could speak Japanese but not te reo
Ma¯ ori. The question somewhat startled me and I couldn’t give him an adequate reason why.
From there, I started my language journey at university.
At least half the lecture theatre was filled with non-Ma¯ ori students particularly international students. I realised our national language was valued and respected by many and there was a genuine yearning for the language by others.
I have been teaching te reo
Ma¯ ori in west Auckland for five years. I have noticed an upward trend of non-Ma¯ ori students and I’m curious about the reasons why. I’m completing my PhD studies on the motivations and learning experiences of nonMa¯ ori high school students learning Ma¯ ori.
The latest data shows that only 5 per cent of non-Ma¯ ori students nationally are learning Ma¯ ori in secondary schools.
It was inspiring listening to students I interviewed. A year-12 Fijian-Indian spoke about her dream of becoming a policewoman and that she would like to create positive connections with Ma¯ ori through the language.
A year-13 Australian student mentioned learning te reo Ma¯ ori was important as he wanted a better understanding of New Zealand. He was also influenced by his parents to learn the language.
The idea behind the research is to understand what inspires these students to learn te reo Ma¯ ori so that they can positively influence their own communities with the hope of expanding the numbers learning te reo Ma¯ ori.
Some prominent schools with few Ma¯ ori students have surprisingly made te reo Ma¯ ori a core subject. Christ College in Christchurch has made the language compulsory for year 9 students. Auckland Grammar School will introduce te reo Ma¯ ori as a subject choice for the first time in 147 years and have also made the language mandatory for year 9 next year.
The principals of both recognise its importance to the identity of this country and how having knowledge of basic Ma¯ ori language and tikanga is essential in a modern workforce.
I want to be able to see, hear, read and feel the language in all our community spaces.
There are plenty of opportunities in west Auckland to learn te reo Ma¯ ori with free night classes at Unitech and Te
Wa¯ nanga o Aotearoa.
Ma¯ ori cannot do this alone.
Ma¯ ori need the support of other Kiwis in keeping our national language alive and relevant. Kia kaha ki te ko¯ rero Ma¯ ori – give speaking Ma¯ ori a go.
Will Flavell is a HendersonMassey Local Board member and is completing his PhD at Otago University.
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