(Picture caption: It is Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week, and we encourage you to get behind it and learn a new word, phrase or traditional skill or song.)
The Rotuman community of New Zealand’s efforts in sustaining Fäeag Rotuạm Ta and culture takes centre stage as the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks series gets underway.
Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week is celebrated from 12-18 May 2024.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says the Ministry for Pacific Peoples is proud to once again work alongside the Hata Collective, representing many of the Rotuman communities in New Zealand, to support Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week.
Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta is the first of 11 Pacific Language Weeks and is focused on the theme, Vetḁkia ‘os Fäega ma Ag fak hanua - Sustaining our Language and Culture.
This year, the Rotuman community has been busy planning activities including language learning through music, health and wellbeing and creating resources to support long term language planning at both in-person and online events.
“I encourage everyone to get behind Rotuman Language Week, and to learn something new about their Pacific neighbours – whether it is a word, phrase or traditional skill or song,” says Gerardine.
Se te’ ne ‘os hensạsiạg ma kạinag Rotuạm ne noh ‘e Niusirạgi - Ạlạlum ‘amnȧk ne mou se gasav ne fäeag Rotuạm ta ma hea’hea’ lelei naaf se te’ ne ‘ạus ‘atakoa ‘e gasav a’pumuạ‘ȧk te‘is.
(To all our Rotuman communities in New Zealand - blessings on the plans for Rotuman language week and well wishes to you all during this important week.)
Visit the MPP website for resources including a poster, which reflects the important role Pacific youth can play in revitalising languages, while the NZ Rotuman Language Week Facebook page has event information.
Nono ka ta le’et pa ‘inea ta teēt ‘e fäeag Rotuạm ta ne ‘amnȧk ne mou se gasav ne fäeag Rotuạm ta ma figalelei ma la’ se link he rua ‘e: MPP website, NZ Rotuman Language Week Facebook page.