Language :: Communication, Māori Language

The three key ideas that I have explored during my on-line and discussions are: firstly the importance of maintaining of Te reo MÄ ori in New Zealand. Secondly, the role of teachers in maintaining Te Reo MÄ ori in centres and finally I realised the need to acquire second language. Fishman (1996) point out that to lose a language means to lose a culture. Base on this point, I strongly agree that regeneration and maintenance of MÄ ori language is the most imperative action that we should take. Te Kohanga Reo was developed in response to MÄ ori concern ensuring the continuing survival of the Maori language. The DVD expressed that "all kohanga's reflects kaupapa of MÄ ori regeneration" (Te Rere a Te Amokura, 2003). One particular kohanga reo is Te Kohanga Reo o Te Amokura, which provides the opportunities of regeneration and maintenance of the MÄ ori language to tamariki through daily routines Hence teachers have a hugely role in incorporating Te Reo into our centres as much as possible. Teachers can support MÄ ori language through prayer, greeting, storytelling and singing, exercises (Te Rere a Te Amokura, 2003). In order for it to be effective though, I think it needs to be carried on outside of the centres, like it mentioned in the DVD (Te Rere a Te Amokura, 2003). The children's whÄ nau needs to be on board and understand the importance of it to really make an impact. Moreover, Aneta in the lecture mentioned that revitalising language involves regenerating bonds between families and communities. Te WhÄ riki (1996) states children should experience an environment where: connecting links with the family and the wider world are affirmed and extended (p. 54). Furthermore I realize the need for children acquire a second language .New Zealand is a multicultural country. To put this into perspective we can also look at the proportion of people talking in some other second languages in New Zealand. May (2005) points out that the 2001 Census indicates that there are now over 100,000 speakers of Pasifika language. The vast majority of who are Samoan speakers (81,033). This means that Samoan is officially the third largest language group in New Zealand behind English (3,425,301) and MÄ ori (160,527) (p. 369). These ideas have shifted my thinking. As MÄ ori is the indigenous language of this country only. This is quite different to me as Indian because Fiji is a country where we could keep its language and culture, so if the new generations of Indian forgo their culture in New Zealand that does not mean Indian have lost their culture in the world.