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Preserving the Niuean language
6 March 2008
Lynsey Talagi and the organisations Nukututaha Christchurch and Christchurch Fuata Niue (Youth group) successfully implemented the Niuean language project, 'Traditional Treasures', the first of its kind in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The goals of the project were to increase the knowledge of the Niuean language amongst youth and the Niuean community in Christchurch, New Zealand, especially New Zealand-born Niueans. This would contribute to the preservation of the Niuean language.
Activities of this project included:
- Enlisting tutors;
- Publicity and Outreach;
- Evaluation of Niue language proficiency;
- Weekly classes with the youth and community;
- Prizes for a speech and writing competition.
"The hard part was getting the classes off the ground and maintaining them, but it has been rewarding. Christchurch may be a long way from increasing its fluent Niuean speakers but we are making progress. It is necessary to nurture the passion of students who are willing to learn Niuean. Restructuring of the syllabus and increasing resources is of great importance for the success of the language classes in 2008 and in years to come.
An annual speech and writing competition in Christchurch is an event that not only adds to the students’ linguistic ability but also to the pool of resources. This is something that will optimistically be achieved in 2008. On a larger scale, an annual competition nationwide that includes all ages and all language abilities would go a long way to keeping the language alive. Kia Monuina." - Lynsey
>> More information on the Traditional Treasures project
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Mind Your Language
Niuean language books |
How to tell the time (left) and
the kitchen (Poko kai)
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