While dealing with the effects of climate change, Kiribati is currently experiencing a terrible drought. According to Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio, this makes Kiribati Language Week 2022 a unique occasion to consider the future.
Wikin te Taetae ni Kiribati, the third of nine Pacific Language Weeks, begins today.
“This year the theme is , ribanan, karikirakean ao kateimatoan ara katei ma ara taetae ni Kiribati, which translates into English as, nurture, enhance and sustain the Kiribati language and culture.
“Given the current crisis this theme sums up how the 3,225-strong Kiribati people who call Aotearoa home feel . This also aligns with the Pacific Language Weeks overarching theme of sustainability in what is the first year of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages.
“UNESCO says at least 40 percent of the 7,000 languages used worldwide are in danger of being lost.
“The people of Kiribati who live in Aotearoa say they will embrace the future by utilising modern technology to promote, nurture and preserve their language so their past can continue to flourish – Kiribati wants to move with the times without losing the traditional way,” said Hon Aupito William Sio.
The steering committee of four groups, including the Kiribati Federation Association, the New Zealand Kiribati National Council, the Wellington Kiribati Club, and Waipounamu Southland, has been collaborating to create content for the language week, which includes a mix of online and offline activities and events, including the celebration of Kiribati Independence Day on July 12.
“Data from our Pacific Language Strategy states 50 percent of the i-Kiribati in Aotearoa speak the language, 24 percent under the age of 15 speak the language and 20 percent of New Zealand-born Kiribati can speak the language, with 41 percent of i-Kiribati people born in New Zealand.
“Kiribati is one of the only small Pacific groups which currently has the option of attending a bilingual education unit in Auckland which was established in 2019.
“We urge you to celebrate this unique language with us – at work, school, church, playing sport or in the home – kam bati n rabwa,” Aupito William Sio said.