Talofa
This week is Samoan Language Week. We need to remember that Samoan is the third most common language in New Zealand, after English and Maori.
A large number of Samoan people live in New Zealand. We have a census every five years and the last census, in 2006, shows that 131,000 Samoans were part of our population of 4.2 million New Zealanders. 60% of these Samoans were born in New Zealand and many of these people cannot speak Samoan fluently. It is sad if they lose their language and their culture. That is one reason for Samoan language week. It’s also a good time to celebrate June 1st which is Independence Day, the day when Samoa became independent from New Zealand.
The census figures also show that many Samoans are young. The median age (the average) is 21 years but the median age for all New Zealanders is 36 years. 38% of Samoans are under 15. The percentage of all New Zealanders under 15 is 22%. Only 4% of Samoans are over 65 years old whereas 12% of all New Zealanders are over 65. 67% of Samoans live in Auckland and 93% in the North Island. 35% live in extended families with grandparents but only 10% of all New Zealanders live in extended families.
Nearly all Samoans are Christians. The church plays an important role in their culture.
Many have mixed marriages. They marry Europeans, other Pacific Islanders or Maori.
Listen to March 6th 2008 for more about mixed marriages.
MPs say that they will try to use Samoan language in Parliament this week. Some libraries, schools, polytechs and universities are celebrating Samoan Language Week with displays, language quizzes, talks and other activities. Rugby League players are also helping to celebrate Samoan Language week.
Questions
1. Is it important for all Samoans to be able to speak Samoan?
2. Is it hard to teach children Samoan when the mother and father speak different languages?
3. How important are Samoan pre-schools?
Listen for these numbers for Samoans and all New Zealanders:
Population in NZ
Born in NZ
Median age
Under 15
Over 65
Living in extended family
NZ and Australia have one common feature. Both countries highly approve the idea of the diversity in culture. People, who are from other nations, have come with their own cultures, including languages. This creates the unique lifestyle and culture in two countries. Therefore, it is really disappointing if these features are ignored by young migrants. This trend also may stimulate a racial feeling against non-European originated migrants and cause tensions among communities.
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