Indigenous peoples have rightful aspirations for their languages and cultures, supported under international conventions, jurisdictional treaties, laws, policies and enquiry recommendations. Additionally, the inclusion of Indigenous languages in education can impact positively on Indigenous students' learning, engagement, identity and well-being,…

This article makes a case for the existence of a minority language hierarchy in New Zealand. Based on an analysis of language ideologies expressed in recent policy documents and interviews with policymakers and representatives of minority language communities, it presents the arguments forwarded in support of the promotion of different types of…

This survey gives an overview of research into language teaching and learning in New Zealand over a five-year period, including the context of that research. The majority of New Zealanders are monolingual English speakers, yet the country faces complex linguistic challenges arising from its bicultural foundations and the multicultural society it…

Briefly describes five dictionaries of the signed languages used in Australia, Mexico, Italy, New Zealand, and Thailand. (CB)

Discusses efforts at language revival and maintenance of American Indian languages. Describes models used in New Zealand to maintain the Maori language and in Hawaii to preserve the Hawaiian language. Suggests that language and cultural revival efforts are generally healthy for America. (Author/VWL)

This paper discusses the use of metaphors in describing relationships with indigenous languages, focusing on native and newly-fluent speakers of Maori in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Data come from interviews with male and female Maori speakers age 19-44 years who discussed their commitment to becoming fluent speakers of Maori and used a range of…

Describes a developmental project in Maori, designed to investigate the feasibility and reliability of teacher-based assessment of the oral component of a national examination of Maori language in New Zealand. Particular focus is on the development of a culturally appropriate assessment style that respects Maori traditions of knowledge, learning,…

Describes Tongan language proficiency, language usage, and attitudes toward the language among the ethnic Tongans of Wellington, New Zealand. Although the language is strongly preferred and maintained by the Tongan community, incipient language shift, increasing English proficiency, and code switching are evident among younger people. (40…

Notes that the Maori Language Commission of New Zealand promoted 1995 as a year to celebrate that language. Points out that the Commission endeavored to encourage the Maori people to use their language; to celebrate the historical status of the language; and to generate goodwill toward the language among the general populace. (seven references)…

Language shift and language loss were studied in three generations of a Dutch immigrant family. Findings from an analysis of letters, interviews, a domain questionnaire, and editing and correction tests suggest increases in language shift with each generation although the degree of loss was rather slow in the first and second generation. (Contains…

This introductory paper reviews the development of Maori language total immersion courses for adults, based on the author's own experience. Total immersion courses were established as part of the Maori mission under the Whakatupuranga Rua Mano-Generation 2000 tribal program. The program supports Maori people who can "karanga" (do a…

This paper reports on a study which investigated the language-related experiences of Afrikaans-speaking South African immigrants living in New Zealand. In-depth narrative interviews with 14 parents of children aged 18 and under were conducted in various geographical locations across New Zealand. The focus was on their perceptions of their…

Although language policy in New Zealand is emerging piecemeal, without any clear central planning and without much of the data needed for sound policy development, political pressure from indigenous, community, and other language interest groups is interacting positively with government values and may still lead to a coherent national policy. (39…

Drawing on social and political theory, this article argues that the retention and promotion of specific group-based rights--in this case, indigenous language and education rights--need not result in social and linguistic closure. Principles underlying such rights are illustrated by an extended analysis of recent Maori language-immersion…

Examines the Aotearoa/New Zealand context, charting the history of colonial educational provision for Maori from the nineteenth century, and then contrasting it with the recent developments in Maori-medium language programs within education. The reemergence of Maori tribal and urban authorities and their central role in the provision of new forms…