Māori Language Commission

Definition

The Māori Language Commission is an organization established in 1987 to promote and advocate for the revitalization of the Māori language, also known as Te Reo Māori, in New Zealand. This commission plays a crucial role in safeguarding and enhancing the use of Māori language across various sectors, fostering its intergenerational transmission and ensuring its presence in education, media, and public life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Māori Language Commission was established under the Māori Language Act 1987, which recognized the importance of Te Reo Māori as a taonga (treasure).
2. The commission works collaboratively with educational institutions, media outlets, and community organizations to ensure the presence of Māori language in various contexts.
3. It provides resources, support, and training for teachers and educators to facilitate Māori language learning in schools and communities.
4. The commission has been instrumental in promoting Māori language awareness campaigns and initiatives that engage the public and encourage its usage.
5. One of the key functions of the commission is to develop and maintain a standardized system for writing Te Reo Māori, including spelling and grammar conventions.

Review Questions

• How does the Māori Language Commission contribute to the revitalization of Te Reo Māori through educational initiatives?
  • The Māori Language Commission plays a vital role in revitalizing Te Reo Māori by collaborating with educational institutions to implement programs that promote language learning. It supports Kōhanga Reo and other immersion schools by providing resources, training for teachers, and developing curricula that focus on using the language effectively. This approach ensures that children are exposed to Te Reo from a young age, fostering a new generation of speakers and contributing to the overall revitalization of the language.
• Discuss the significance of the establishment of the Māori Language Commission in relation to the broader context of Māori cultural revitalization.
  • The establishment of the Māori Language Commission marked a significant turning point in the broader movement for Māori cultural revitalization. It reflected a growing recognition of the importance of Te Reo Māori as central to Māori identity and culture. By providing a structured approach to language promotion, the commission helped to galvanize efforts within communities to reclaim their language as a means of asserting cultural identity and fostering pride among Māori people. This aligns with other initiatives aimed at preserving traditional practices, customs, and values.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies implemented by the Māori Language Commission in increasing public engagement with Te Reo Māori.
  • The effectiveness of strategies implemented by the Māori Language Commission can be seen in increased public engagement with Te Reo Māori over recent decades. Initiatives such as awareness campaigns, partnerships with media organizations, and community events have successfully brought attention to the importance of learning and using the language. Additionally, the growth of Kōhanga Reo programs and higher enrollment in Māori language courses demonstrates a positive shift in attitudes towards Te Reo. However, ongoing challenges remain in ensuring consistent use of the language across different domains, indicating that while progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to achieve long-term revitalization.

Related terms

Kōhanga Reo: A Māori-language immersion preschool program established in the early 1980s aimed at promoting Māori language and culture among young children.

Te Reo Māori: The Māori language, an official language of New Zealand, that is integral to Māori identity and culture.

Māori Renaissance: A cultural revival movement that emerged in the late 20th century focused on restoring and promoting Māori language, traditions, and identity.