Call to galvanise a new language passion
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, a yearly celebration of significance for Māori language, is a critical reminder that te reo is an essential component of knowledge-based innovation and creativity, according to Professor of Māori studies, Tai Black. “It is imperative that we continue to create an environment to ensure that te reo in this 21st century is much more than a mode of communication,” Professor Black says. “When our language, te reo, becomes merely a mode of communication it will die!
“We have seen and will continue to see dynamic elements in the broader field of our vision and plans for Māori language revitalisation where successive generations have laboured hard in corpus language planning,” he says.
“Māori language week reminds us to celebrate our efforts and much more. But it is also about planning ahead. We need to continue to galvanise a new language passion.
“Systematically designed reo programmes in education, iwi wānanga, tertiary and immersion kura, broadcasting, art, marae protocols, spiritual reflections with specialist reo resources support successive language speakers, writers and people development.”
Massey University offers six qualifications based entirely around Māori pedagogies, te reo Māori, or dedicated Māori content. In addition there are a range of other courses with high Māori relevance taught in a number of subject areas.
“While each course or programme has specialised content, there is also a generic element underpinned by a common approach to te reo Māori, Māori culture, and contemporary Māori development,” Professor Black says. “The prospect of an integrated approach to Māori education enables the University to retain a strong sense of purpose and commitment to the development and empowerment of Māori people.”
Massey University celebrates Te Marama o Te Reo Maori, Maori Language Month in July, with a raft of activities and events spread across its three campuses at Albany, Manawatu and Wellington. For more information visit http://tereo.massey.ac.nz