January 24, 2014
Taura Whiri sets up research centre
Te Taura Whiri I Te Reo Maori believes more research is needed to bolster the revitalisation of the Maori language.
It is setting up a new centre, He Puna Whakarauora, that will instigate and coordinate research and help direct resources to where they are needed most.
Language commission chair Erima Henare says a dedicated organisation is needed to assess the impact of language protection efforts and share that knowledge broadly.
In March He Puna Whakarauora will seek interest from researchers interested in working on projects.
These include updating the work done by Richard Benton for the Council for Education Research more than 40 years ago that measured the health of te reo Maori in homes.
… Measuring the value of te reo Maori to the New Zealand economy;
… And evaluating the impact of the wananga whakarauora reo language revitalisation workshops the commission has been funding in communities.
Te Taura Whiri chief executive Glenis Philip-Barbara will be seconded over to establish the research centre, and former New Zealand First MP Pita Paraone will fill in for her at the commission.
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