Noa'ia 'e mạuri!
Rotuman Language Week takes place from Sunday 7 May to Sunday 14 May 2023. The theme for Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week 2023 is Vetḁkia ‘os Fäega ma Ag fak hanua - Sustaining our Language and Culture.
About Rotuman Language Week
Rotuman Language Week is an opportunity for all New Zealanders to celebrate the identity, language, and culture of people from Rotuma. With approximately 2,000 speakers on the islands of Rotuma, to nurture the Rotuman identity in Aotearoa, everyone must work together to revitalise and maintain Fäeag Rotuạm.
Curriculum connections
Rotuman Language Week supports a number of curriculum principles, including cultural diversity and inclusion. This special week provides students with the opportunity to explore the values of equity and diversity. Students who learn Rotuman can make use of key competencies and achieve learning outcomes described in the learning languages and social sciences learning areas.
How can you get involved?
Discuss the importance of language preservation
Use the following questions as discussion starters with your class – "Why is it important for New Zealand's Rotuman community to preserve their language?" Why is it important for all New Zealanders to celebrate and learn Rotuman?" "What benefits will this bring to New Zealanders of Rotuman descent?" You could use this video from Tagata Pasifika and this article to discover information about the Rotuman language and hear the perspectives and concerns of Rotuman New Zealanders.
Learn some Rotuman words and phrases
Learn some common words and phrases in Rotuman. This poster from the Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group and this video provide support.
Select the image to view it at a larger size.
Get involved in an online event
There are several online events taking place during Rotuman Language Week to promote the language and culture of Rotuma. Events include a church service, dancing, singing and storytelling. The Ministry for Pacific Peoples has a calendar of events and you can join the Facebook page to stay up to date.
Useful resources
Rotuman language cards (PDF)
These language cards are tailored to non-speakers of the language and provide a good starting point for all to use. Each provide a pronunciation guide, the alphabet, everyday phrases, a short prayer and hymn.
Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group Incorporated
The Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group Incorporated (ARFGI) is a community group whose members have links and an interest in all things Rotuman. This is the website of the Rotuman of Aotearoa-New Zealand.
The goals of the fellowship group are to teach and celebrate Rotuman language and culture, enhance and improve the well-being of Rotumans, and advocate the views and needs of the New Zealand Rotuman community. The website offers information, news, events, and resources.
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