Abstract:
Contemporary Māori views of the link between language and identity appear to have some marked differences to those of traditional Māori views. In traditional Māori society the link between identity and te reo Māori (Māori language) is seen as essential as identity is most usefully expressed through whakapapa and tātai (geneology), pepeha (tribal sayings) and whakataukī (proverbs). Te reo is paramount to understanding the images expressed as it provides the appropriate articulation for matauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and traditionally, it is seen as the vehicle through which the culture is transmitted down through the generations. A national Māori language survey undertaken in the 1970’s picked up on a severe decline in Māori language use and prompted the implementation of some strong revitalisation efforts (RA Benton, 1979). There has been institutional success in increasing the numbers of those able to speak te reo, through language learning programmes in schools and in the community (N. Benton & Benton, 1999). The findings from a survey that gathered data from 50 Māori people suggests that diminished use of te reo appears to have weakened the link between language and identity and is contributing to altered understandings of Māori identity today. This paper addresses these concerns using census and survey data to demonstrate this phenomenon and begins to explore the reasons for the apparent different perceptions.
