Niue fights to keep language alive (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Niue fights to keep language alive

Oct 5, 2005
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411749/616440

Teachers of the Niue language in New Zealand say one way to keep their
tongue alive is by following the same road as Maori.

Niuean people from around New Zealand are in Porirua this week for a
four-day conference to discuss and debate the sustainability of their
language.

Latest figures put the language in a precarious situation with less than
20% of Niuean people speaking the language fluently.

Co-ordinator of the Niue literacy project Nora Douglas says the efforts
Maori have made are a good example in regaining their language.

Douglas believes elders have a pivotal role in ensuring their language,
culture and heritage is preserved for future generations. She says the
elders are a precious asset and must be utilised.

Douglas says they are the role models and will help pass the language on
to the next generation.

Language teachers are also looking at developing a Niuean Language
Commission.