Pacific Language Week: PNG tok pisin and Solomon Islands pidgin join series

The Pacific Language Week series begins on Sunday with Rotuma starting the initiative by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.

This year, two new languages will be included for the first time – Solomon Islands Pidgin and Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin – joining Rotuma, Samoa, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Fiji, Niue and Tokelau to make 11 Pacific language weeks which will end in November.

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples works closely with Pacific communities’ to maintain and promote indigenous languages across the country.

The overarching theme of the language weeks for 2024 is sustainability, aligning with UNESCO’s long-term vision to protect indigenous languages, not just in the Pacific but worldwide.

Sustainability can include the physical, but also language – which incorporates heritage and identity – with UNESCO saying at least 40 per cent of the world’s 7000 languages are in danger of being lost.

Porirua in Wellington is looking forward to celebrating the many varied cultures and identities of the Pacific communities in the city.

Mayor Anita Baker said the flag-raising events at the beginning of each language week at the peace memorial at Te Rauparaha Park are a representation of the vibrancy that exists in Porirua.

Pacific people make up nearly 27 percent of the city’s population, making it one of the most culturally diverse regions in New Zealand.

“I always look forward to the activities and events we have on during the different language weeks, especially seeing the young ones taking part – it is as much about learning and developing relationships with our residents as it is having fun,” she said.

“We can celebrate what enriches our communities and it aligns beautifully with our Pacific Strategy, which we adopted last year. We want to make everyone feel welcome enough to celebrate their own nations and identity.”

Pacific Language Week 2024 dates:

• Rotuma – 12-18 May
• Samoa – 26 May-1 June
• Kiribati – 7-13 July
• Cook Islands – 4-10 August
• Tonga – 18-24 August
• Tuvalu – 29 September-5 October
• Fiji – 6-12 October
• Niue – 13-19 October
• Tokelau – 27 October-2 November
• Papua New Guinea – 10-16 November
• Solomon Islands – 24-30 November