Most people that we spoke to during the survey believed that the Maori language was dying, and that ·English was becoming the main language spoken in the home and community. Kaumatua said it was difficult to teach Maori to the younger people in Waiomio when there was so much English heard on the radio, on television and in the community. (Only 3 out of 50 people under 25 could speak Maori fluently.) Most adults spoke Maori mainly to their elders. While some children were often spoken to in Maori, they usually answered in English.
Te Tai Tokerau | Northland | Far North | 1970-79 | 5% of Māori children can speak te reo. (1970-75) | Story is by tangata whenua
Comments