<
https://theconversation.com/english-doesnt-need-protecting-in-new-zealand-but-other-languages-do-276951>
"Anyone tuning into political debates about the recently introduced
English
Language Bill might be led to think New Zealand’s most widely spoken tongue is
endangered.
The bill, which forms part of a coalition deal between the New Zealand First
and National parties and aims to make English an official language in Aotearoa,
has been widely criticised as unnecessary.
One opposition MP branded it an “answer to a problem that does not exist”.
Indeed, English is spoken by more than 4.75 million New Zealanders – 96% of the
population – and dominates the nation’s television, radio, classrooms and
workplaces.
One reason for designating languages “official” is to protect and support
minority or marginalised languages, often those under threat. Can we really say
the same of English?"
It’s culture war signalling by the right.
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
