Languages of New Zealand

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

2013 NZ census people who can use New Zealand Sign Language

Languages of New Zealand encompass the various languages spoken by the people of New Zealand. The country's linguistic landscape is predominantly shaped by its indigenous peoples, the Māori of New Zealand, and the effects of British colonization, which introduced English as a dominant language. Over time, immigration has added to the linguistic diversity, introducing languages from around the world.

Official Languages

New Zealand recognizes three official languages: English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).

English

English is the most widely spoken language in New Zealand, serving as the primary language of government, commerce, and education. It was introduced by British settlers in the 19th century and has since become the lingua franca of the nation.

Māori

The Māori language, also known as te reo Māori, is the language of the indigenous Māori people. It is a Polynesian language and has been experiencing a revival since the late 20th century, thanks in part to initiatives like Kōhanga Reo (Māori language preschools) and the establishment of Māori Television. In 1987, Māori was declared an official language of New Zealand, affirming its importance to the country's cultural identity.

New Zealand Sign Language

NZSL became the third official language of New Zealand in 2006. It is the main language of the Deaf community in New Zealand and incorporates elements of British Sign Language, Australian Sign Language, and unique New Zealand signs.

Other Languages

New Zealand's demographic landscape includes speakers of numerous other languages, reflecting waves of immigration from Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and elsewhere. Commonly spoken languages include Samoan, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, and French, among others.

Language Policy and Education

The New Zealand government promotes multilingualism through various policies and educational programs. The Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) plays a key role in Māori language revitalization efforts. In schools, students have the opportunity to learn Māori and NZSL, alongside foreign languages.

Challenges and Future Directions

While efforts to promote and preserve Māori and NZSL have made significant progress, challenges remain in ensuring the vitality of these languages. Ensuring access to education and resources in these languages, alongside promoting their use in public life, are ongoing priorities. The increasing diversity of New Zealand's population also presents opportunities and challenges in accommodating a wide range of languages within the national linguistic landscape. Template:New Zealand-stub