Lining Up Languages in New Zealand

More than 800,000 New Zealanders speak a language other than English, and a conference in Wellington this week will outline the need for government, academia and the private and not-for-profit sectors to work together to develop language use and learning in New Zealand.

Lining Up Language: Navigating Policy and Programmes is being hosted by The Office of Ethnic Communities tomorrow and Friday at Te Papa. It brings together a range of speakers to share their knowledge and expertise in the field of language.

Berlinda Chin, Director of the Office of Ethnic Communities, says it is timely to begin a dialogue about the future direction of language development in this country.

“With more than one in four New Zealanders being born overseas, and Hindi being the fourth most commonly spoken language after English, Māori and Samoan, it’s vital that we focus on what the government and private sector are doing in this space, to ensure that we streamline our resources effectively and create a clear pathway for the future development of the language framework in New Zealand.”

The conference is of particular interest to language teachers, linguists, translators, interpreters, government officials and members of ethnic communities, says Berlinda.

“The journey of language evolution is a dynamic one. We are pleased to be able to bring together key stakeholders from across the spectrum under one roof so they can connect with one another, because wherever people gather, a language is formed.”

Speakers at Lining Up Language: Navigating Policy and Programmes include the Minister for Ethnic Communities, Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-liga, Race Relations Commissioner, Dame Susan Devoy, and representatives from the Ministries of Education, Pacific Island Affairs, Justice and Business, Innovation and Employment as well as other language experts including the Asia New Zealand Foundation, COMET Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington.

The keynote speaker is Chris Szekely, Chief Librarian, Alexander Turnbull Library. Chris has published several books in English and Te Reo Māori and has received several literary awards.

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