May 06, 2015
Health of language measured
The New Zealand Council for Educational Research is about to run a ruler over the health of te reo Maori.
A ground-breaking study conducted for the council in the 1970s by Richard and Nena Benton raised the alarm about the state of the language and led to a strong response from Maori communities and government.
The 20-month project, Te Ahu o te Reo, was commissioned by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Maori.
Acting chief executive Poia Rewi says it will help ensure the best use of resources to support revitalisation.
Project leader Dr Jessica Hutchings says it will revisit some of the communities involved in the original study.
She says the aim is to get a sense of how homes and communities are working towards re-establishing te reo Maori as a living language and normal means of communication in daily life.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com