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Samoa Language Week kicks off vital learning

Torika Tokalau

Understanding and using New Zealand’s most spoken Pacific language is vital to its survival, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds.

Samoa Language Week begins today and is a time when the country rallies around Gagana Samoa, and the nearly 2% of New Zealanders who speak it.

It’s the most spoken Pacific language in New Zealand, with Samoans being the biggest Pacific group in Aotearoa.

It’s also the third most spoken language in the country – behind English and Te Reo Ma¯ori – and the second most spoken language in Ta¯maki Makaurau.

‘‘The Samoan population in New Zealand are one of our fastestgrowing populations and largest Pacific group,’’ Edmonds said.

‘‘They represent 47.9% of all Pacific people in our country.’’

A Pacific languages survey last year showed the significant role Pacific languages played in the daily lives of its communities.

More than 80% of Samoans believed it was important to be able to speak Gagana Samoa and 83% used digital technology, media and the internet to help them connect more to their language and culture. ‘‘No matter where you are on your language journey, I want to encourage everyone to speak and share our Samoan language as much as possible,’’ Edmonds said.

She said the Samoan community have been busy planning events and online activities to celebrate their language.

‘‘This year we’ve invested $13.3 million from Budget 2023 to implement the Pacific Languages Strategy and ensure our communities have more opportunities to hear, speak and learn our languages.

‘‘If our Pacific people have more tools and support for languages, we can ensure we preserve them for generations to come.’’

This year’s language theme is: Mitamita i lau gagana, maua’a lou fa’asinomaga, which translates to: Be proud of your language and grounded in your identity.

‘‘During the week, we are encouraging everyone to value and use Gagana Samoa – be it our young people, families, church groups, or elders.’’

National News

en-nz

2023-05-29T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-29T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281578065039193

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