elvashayam:

allthingslinguistic:

“New Zealand’s government wants the Maori language to be taught in all primary schools alongside maths and science, with the prime minister saying she wants to be one of the last generation that wasn’t taught. While te reo Maori is one of three languages officially recognised in New Zealand – alongside English and New Zealand Sign Language – it’s currently not compulsory and not taught at many schools. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern – who wants to raise her daughter, Neve, speaking both Maori and English – told reporters the language was “part of who we are as a country”. “I have an aspiration that my generation will be last generation to regret not having the chance to learn te reo Maori in our learning and education journey,” she said. “I am still, if it’s not obvious, at the beginning of my journey to learn te reo Maori.” Government ministers have avoided using the word “compulsory” – which has proved controversial in the past – in favour of “universal availability”. While the use of words and phrases in Maori is now common in New Zealand, 2013 census figures suggested as few 50,000 people spoke it at a high level, while about 150,000 were conversational. There’s also been a recent surge in interest in beginner Maori courses across the country, with providers saying they had to leave hundreds of people on waiting lists this year.”

— NZ government pushes for Maori language in all schools by 2025

YES