Preserving and reviving the Niuean language, Niue
5 September 2007

Lynsey Talagi is leading a project to preserve and revive the Niuean language in the Niuean community in Christchurch, New Zealand. The project is offering free classes and song and speech competitions.

"Our classes started at the end of May. We've got two main tutors, myself included, and the other 5 help out when they can.

So far we've had 16 people attend classes, including youth. There is interest in the classes but we are yet to see those people attend. We've had to cancel our Saturday classes for September due to lack of numbers. I suppose we will have to contact the community and find out what we could do that would encourage them to attend.

The books that we are using to teach the classes are now free due to the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs receiving the more funding.

We have tested the students after level 1 and unfortunately they are not yet able to move onto level 2. Therefore we are redoing level 1 again.

I don't believe that the language resource that we are using are the best, therefore I am trying to add to it with what I know of my studies of the Spanish language and how they structure their courses at the university. This is the only language resource that is currently available. I hope that one day there will be Niuean language textbook.

I am keen to have a database of Niue language providers outside of Niue, namely those in New Zealand and Australia. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs have launched a Niue Language website and are in the process of doing a database. I'm not sure yet if it is a providers one or for anyone interested in the Niuean language.

At the Hulaaga Vagahau Niue 2007 conference in early October, I hope to meet with a few of the language providers here in NZ and talk of issues related to the Niue language, for example, how to increase attendance."

- Lynsey Talagi

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