<
https://theconversation.com/taiwans-indigenous-languages-are-under-threat-what-can-nz-learn-from-their-successes-and-failures-222485>
"There has been a global push to revitalise Indigenous languages since the late
1980s.
Aotearoa New Zealand has been at the forefront of revitalisation efforts,
earning the admiration of campaigners in other countries, including Taiwan.
Te reo Māori became an official language in 1987. Immersion education is an
option for students alongside dedicated Māori news media. Te reo Māori is also
increasingly used in mainstream schools, universities and public life.
But the work is not finished. Academics and campaigners have expressed concerns
te reo Māori could still go extinct by 2100. And the current government has
made moves to discourage the use of te reo Māori in official spheres.
New Zealand can learn from the successes and difficulties of countries like
Taiwan. The colonial language (Mandarin Chinese) has had dominance in Taiwan
for generations, despite efforts to save threatened Indigenous languages,
cultures and identities.
The answer for Taiwan – and New Zealand – may lie in supporting the work of
grassroots campaigners instead of relying on the government."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
