(Picture caption: The 2023 Pacific Language Weeks series gets underway with Rotuman Language Week on May 7-13, and wraps up with Tokelau Language Week starting October 22-28. Visit the MPP website for language week information and resources. )
Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds has announced the 2023 Pacific Language week series, highlighting the need to revitalise and sustain languages for future generations.
She says Pacific languages are a cornerstone of our health, wellbeing and identity as Pacific peoples.
“When our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated, our communities thrive,” Minister Edmonds says.
Each year the Pacific Language Weeks series gets bigger and better.
Last year saw participation increase, with the series reaching over 1.6 million people in Aotearoa and abroad, the Minister says.
“We also invested over $400,000 into supporting 50 community initiatives.
“Throughout the series, we will be focused on revitalising and sustaining our Pacific languages.”
This initiative, proudly supported by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP), aligns with UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages which recognises the right to preserve, revitalise and promote languages.
“UNESCO findings indicate at least 40 percent of the 7,000 languages used worldwide are in danger of being lost.
“Through our commitment to supporting language weeks, we are raising awareness and driving sustainable initiatives to ensure they continue for our future generations.”
The Minister says it is evident supporting indigenous languages in New Zealand is crucial.
“During the pandemic and recent extreme weather events, languages played a huge role in keeping our Pacific communities connected.
“We are continuing to deliver on commitments made in the Pacific Languages Strategy launched last year and provides a long-term approach to supporting our Pacific peoples.”
Over the coming months, the Government will be working closely with communities to support their hosting of language week celebrations and events.
Minister Edmonds encourages everyone to get involved in the Pacific Language Weeks series and celebrate each of these unique languages which enrich and diversify our country.
Pacific Language Week Dates 2023:
Visit the MPP website for language weeks information and resources.