PNG Vernaculars

[John Lynch]

>>From Pacific Islands Report  ... for information:

REFORMS AIM TO PROMOTE LOCAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA LANGUAGES
By Hilda Wayne
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (September 7, 1999 - The
National)---Education reforms and the National Education Plan are aimed
at promoting the use of Papua New Guinea's languages in the formal
school system, Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister
Professor John Waiko said here.
"The language policy for schools under the education reform curriculum
is going to start making a significant contribution to literacy in our
nation, both in English and, importantly, in our many Papua New Guinean
languages," he said.
Dr. Waiko said his ministerial statement on the use of languages in
schools is about to be circulated to all schools and authorities in the
national education system.
This would improve the quality and relevance of children's learning and
intellectual development and strengthen cultural bonding between
children and the community, he said.
Dr. Waiko said that teachers must speak the same language as the
children and the use of vernacular language will start from elementary
prep to grade two.
He said that grade three is when children start to bridge to English in
writing and reading and, by the end of grade 5, English becomes the main
language of instruction. From upper grade six to grade eight students
should be able to use English fluently. However, he added, a vernacular
language can be used to explain difficult terms and concepts.
The community will be involved in curriculum development and material
production as well as looking after the welfare of the school and
teachers, Dr. Waiko said.



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John Lynch
Pro-Vice Chancellor, Emalus Campus
University of the South Pacific
PMB 072
Port Vila. VANUATU.

Phone:	+ (678) 22748
Fax:	+ (678) 22633
Email:	lynch_j at vanuatu.usp.ac.fj