<
https://theconversation.com/you-cant-speak-what-you-cant-hear-how-maori-and-pacific-sports-stars-are-helping-revitalise-vulnerable-languages-203411>
"We’re becoming more used to hearing and seeing te reo Māori in everyday use
these days. And Pacific languages are becoming increasingly familiar too –
especially during the Pacific language weeks now under way.
But if there’s one forum that has seen a genuine surge in the use of Indigenous
languages it’s the world of elite sport. It’s a reflection of the increased
cultural pride felt by Māori and Pacific athletes – and it’s one more way these
vulnerable languages are being kept alive in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Take women’s rugby star Ruby Tui, for example, who broke into her native Samoan
during an impromptu interview with a BBC reporter during the Olympic Games in
2021.
After her Black Ferns team won the 2022 women’s Rugby World Cup, Tui led the
crowd in a spontaneous rendition of the classic Māori waiata (song) “Tutira Mai
Ngā Iwi” – making international headlines in the process.
Tui joins other high-profile Māori and Pacific players such as All Blacks Ardie
Savea, TJ Perenara and Patrick Tuipulotu, and Black Ferns star Stacy Fluhler,
who have all used their mother tongues during interviews."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
