Recognition for unique Norfolk Island language (fwd)

[Aidan Wilson]

Just out of interest, does anyone know if/where the UNESCO list of 
endangered languages is available?
-Aidan

phil cash cash wrote:
> http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0708/S00284.htm
>
> Thursday, 23 August 2007, 3:44 pm
> Press Release: Norfolk Island Tourism
>
> Recognition for unique Norfolk Island language
>
> Norfolk Island has taken a small but significant step towards achieving
> international recognition of the unique Norf’k language.
>
> UNESCO has agreed to include Norf’k in the next edition of its Atlas of the
> World’s Languages in Danger of Disappearing.
>
> Norfolk Island chief minister André Nobbs says the progress follows a
> submission by the Norfolk Island Government to UNESCO of a research paper
> prepared by Prof. Peter Muhlhausler.
>
> The Chief Minister paid tribute to a small group of enthusiastic community
> members who had initiated the approach to UNESCO, the United Nations
> Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. He also thanked his
> predecessor Hon. David Buffett for his efforts in promoting the use and
> recognition of the language.
>
> In 2004, the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly passed the Norfolk Island
> Language (“Norf’k) Act. The act recognised and affirmed “
the Norfolk
> Island Language (Norf’k) and the right of the people of Norfolk Island to
> speak and write it freely and without interference or prejudice from
> government or other persons”.
>
> The language was defined in the act as “
the language known as ‘Norf’k’ that
> is spoken by the descendents of the first free settlers of Norfolk Island
> who were descendents of the settlers of Pitcairn Island”. The legislation
> established rights to use the language within Norfolk Island in all forms
> of communication and for it to be taught in schools.
>
> “The advice from UNESCO is a significant step in building recognition of the
> unique language and culture of Norfolk Island,” Mr Nobbs says. “Other
> exciting cultural initiatives are underway, including progress toward
> establishing a cultural centre.
>
> “The Norfolk Island Government will continue to support and encourage the
> projects to recognise and promote our special cultural values.”
>
> Here is a taste of the ‘unique’ Norf’k language:
>
> Norfolk / English
>
> Watawieh Yorlye? / How are you?
>
> Si Yorlye Morla / See you tomorrow
>
> Kushu / Good
>
> We baut yu gwen? / Where are you going?
>
> Fut nort? / Why not?
>
> Hetieh' / Here it is
>
> Daaset / That's it
>
> Daa letl salan waili ap in aa pain / That little child is stuck in that pine
>
> About Norfolk Island: Discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, Norfolk Island was
> first settled as a British penal colony in 1788 through to 1856. On June 8,
> 1856, the island was re-inhabited by a community from Pitcairn Island,
> descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.
>
> Known today as Norfolk Islanders, they form a majority of the 1,800 resident
> population. Norfolk Island is renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery,
> colourful history, sporting and cultural activities, convict heritage and
> tax-free shopping.
>
>