Language

Forty years ago the Māori language was on the brink of dying out. Only 5% of Māori spoke it fluently. A massive push to save it was underway and at the heart of that movement was a little school at… Audio

Ensuring the survival of their language for future generations is why the Tokelaun community in Porirua are keen to have their language included in the New Zealand curriculum. Audio

New research has found many children starting primary school are not able to speak properly, some with the language skills of toddlers. In fact, up to two thirds of new entrants in schools that were… Audio

It's been discovered that being both fluent in English and a Pacific language helps protect the mental well-being of new Pacific mums. Audio

More Tokelauans reside in New Zealand than on the tiny pacific atolls. What does this mean for the future of the language? Audio

Staying strong during challenging times is the focus of this year's Tokelau Language Week.

But despite the language week occurring every year for almost a decade, the language is dying away and could… Audio

A lingusitics researcher from the University of Auckland has warned with less than 4000 people speaking Tokelauan, the language is in danger of dying. Audio

Dr Karena Kelly, a specialist in Māori language and linguistics, took on the task of translating Seuss’ last book published before his death Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Audio

Less than 4000 people speak Tokelauan, and the majority of them live in New Zealand - rather than in Tokelau itself.  Audio

Tania is an award-winning author whose latest work draws young readers into the world of MÄori mythology - through a rollicking tale of adventure. Tania Roxborogh has written more than thirty… Audio

Helping teach children this ancient language with roots in Mesopotamia are a group of passionately protective custodians both young and old in Wellington. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar.  Audio

During lockdown, comedian Guy Montgomery's creative juices were flowing and he came up with the idea of getting comedians to take part in a spelling bee. He talks to Jesse about how it works and… Audio

A Fijian living in New Zealand says Fijian Language Week is important for the preserving the language - also known as iTaukei, which is declining in use.

The 2020 Fijian Language theme is 'Noqu Vosa… Audio

Urupounamu is a six-part talk series on Te Ahi Kaa hosted by producer Justine Murray, Māori language teacher Ngairo Eruera and Te Kehukehu Patara. The series is a collaboration between Tauranga based… Audio

Lesieli Kotoa is a "proud" Tongan and a Chinese Language Week youth ambassador.  Audio

Aotearoa's third offical language - New Zealand Sign Language - is being showcased this week, with events across the country and added visibility in the media - with sign language interpreters… Audio