Languages of New Zealand

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National Library of New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand (49)

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2013 NZ census people who can use New Zealand Sign Language

== Languages of New Zealand ==

The languages of New Zealand reflect the country's cultural diversity and history. The primary languages spoken in New Zealand are English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). These three languages are recognized as official languages of New Zealand.

English

English is the predominant language spoken in New Zealand. It is used in government, media, and education. New Zealand English has its own unique accent and vocabulary, influenced by both British and American English, as well as Māori.

Māori

Māori is the language of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. It is one of the official languages of New Zealand and has seen a revival in recent years through educational programs and media. The Māori Language Act 1987 granted it official status.

New Zealand Sign Language

New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is the main language of the deaf community in New Zealand. It was granted official language status in 2006. NZSL incorporates signs from British Sign Language (BSL) and Australian Sign Language (Auslan), as well as unique signs developed in New Zealand.

Other Languages

New Zealand is home to a variety of other languages due to its multicultural population. These include Samoan, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, and many others. The presence of these languages reflects the diverse immigrant communities in New Zealand.

Language Education

Language education in New Zealand includes the teaching of English, Māori, and other languages. There are numerous initiatives to promote the learning of Māori in schools, and NZSL is also taught in some educational institutions.

Related Pages

• New Zealand English
• Māori culture
• New Zealand Sign Language
• Demographics of New Zealand
• Education in New Zealand