Kohanga reo

Definition

Kohanga reo is a Māori language immersion preschool program designed to promote and revitalize the Māori language and culture among younger generations. Established in the 1980s, kohanga reo reflects the growing movement for Māori cultural preservation and education, playing a vital role in shaping a distinct New Zealand culture that values indigenous language and traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kohanga reo was initiated in response to concerns about the decline of the Māori language and culture in New Zealand during the 20th century.
2. These programs emphasize not only language learning but also cultural practices, customs, and values important to the Māori community.
3. Kohanga reo has become a model for similar initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous languages and cultures around the world.
4. The success of kohanga reo has contributed significantly to the revitalization of Te Reo Māori, leading to increased numbers of speakers across various age groups.
5. Kohanga reo centers often involve whānau participation, encouraging families to engage actively in their children's education and cultural development.

Review Questions

• How do kohanga reo contribute to the preservation of Māori culture and language?
  • Kohanga reo play a crucial role in preserving Māori culture and language by providing immersive environments where children learn Te Reo Māori from an early age. These programs foster a strong connection to cultural practices, traditions, and values, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with knowledge about their heritage. By engaging whānau in the learning process, kohanga reo helps to reinforce cultural identity within families, making it a community-centered approach to language revitalization.
• In what ways have kohanga reo influenced broader educational policies in New Zealand regarding indigenous languages?
  • Kohanga reo has significantly influenced New Zealand's educational policies by highlighting the importance of incorporating indigenous languages into mainstream education. The success of these programs led to increased recognition of Te Reo Māori within the national curriculum, resulting in initiatives like Kura Kaupapa Māori that further support Māori-language education. This shift reflects a growing commitment to honoring New Zealand's multicultural identity and addressing historical injustices faced by the Māori community.
• Evaluate the impact of kohanga reo on intergenerational transmission of Māori culture and its significance in contemporary New Zealand society.
  • Kohanga reo has had a profound impact on the intergenerational transmission of Māori culture by creating spaces where young children can learn both the language and cultural practices directly from fluent speakers and elders. This has led to a resurgence of interest in Te Reo Māori among younger generations, fostering pride in their identity. In contemporary New Zealand society, kohanga reo stands as a testament to the importance of indigenous voices, contributing to a more inclusive national narrative that respects and values diversity.

Related terms

Te Reo Māori: The Māori language, which is an official language of New Zealand and an essential part of Māori identity and culture.

Kura Kaupapa Māori: Māori language immersion schools that provide education in the Māori language and are based on Māori values and principles.

Whānau: A Māori term for family or extended family, which plays a significant role in social structure and community life.