Essay about Maori Language

In New Zealand, not animals like kiwi but Maori language is now endangered. It is predicted that there will be no native Maori speakers in New Zealand. In this essay, I would like to write about the process of decreasing number, current situation, education and my opinion to the endangered language.

First of all, I want to write about the process of decreasing number. Early settlers were Polynesians, who became the Maori later, so the language could be brought by them. It is said that Maori language was made in around 1200. From the discovery by James Cook, the number of settlers from Europe had increased. At first, they tried to use Maori language to trade things; however, with the number of settlers increased, European New Zealanders became majority, and they also got the right to govern. Therefore, English had the power and people who could not speak English were in disadvantage. Maori people started to speak English and English became dominant language. From the 1880s, government banned using Maori language in schools. In addition, parliament proceedings started to take place in English. From the period, the number of Maori speakers began to decline rapidly. That is the process that the number of speakers was decreased.

Now, there are many place, animal or plant names from Maori Language; for example, Kiwi, Tauronga, or Rotorua, but there are only small number of people who can speak Maori language fluently. According to a statistic, there are only 130,000 Maori people who can speak their language fluently. That is about 25 percent of entire Maori people and 4 percent of entire population in New Zealand. However, thanks to the Maori Language Act in 1987, Maori language could become the official language in New Zealand. In addition, Maori Language Commission was established to promote the language. Therefore, the number of people who can speak Maori has been increasing. Still, it does not mean the number of fluent Maori speakers have been increasing. It is said that fluent speakers of Maori language will disappear near future.

Next, I would like to describe the education. Because Maori became an official language, there are Maori language classes in public schools. However, people don’t have to take them. In the end of 1970s, Maori people noticed that their language would disappear near future. They did not want their language to disappear, so they decided to make schools to study only Maori culture and language. They are called Kohanga Reo and Kaupapa Maori. In the schools, students are not allowed to speak English. However, they often use English, and parents do not want their children to go to Maori language schools. Thanks to Education Amendment Act in 1989, the government reserved the radio and TV program, and since that, the number of TV or radio programs witch people can learn Maori language or culture grew. They are broadcasted every day, so it is easy way to learn Maori language and culture.

Finally, I would like to express my opinion. Language is the most important part in a culture. I cannot imagine that Japanese language would disappear. I think that it is the problem because there are three official languages in one country. The difference of the languages causes the obstacle to communicate each other. I know that English is strong because there are a lot of countries which people speak English as their first or second language. Therefore, it will be better to learn English than Maori language if people want to succeed their business or something. It is unavoidable, but I think that the education system should be revised and all New Zealanders should learn another official language.

Maori language has experienced both increasing and decreasing the number. Many people notice that Maori language is endangered. Therefore, it must be protected by the every New Zealanders, and I hope Maori language will exist forever with English.