Language
Oxford's Words of the Year include Covid-19, lockdown and Black Lives Matter
The Oxford English Dictionary usually chooses a Word of the Year to capture the spirit of the past 12 months, but in 2020 one word was not enough. Audio
Can dogs learn language?
Shany Dror is a PhD student based in Hungary and the driving force behind the Genius Dog Challenge. Audio
Why imitation is the cornerstone of speech development
Speech and language therapist Christian Wright talks about the cornerstone of language development: imitation. Audio
The art of the Irish accent
Ever been to the movies and been distracted by an actor attempting to do an accent that doesn't quite ring true? Audio
Reservations over Education Ministry's hopes for more te reo
A te reo Māori academic says he has reservations that educators will adequately incorporate te reo and tikanga into their everyday lessons..
The Education Minister, Chris Hipkins, this morning… Audio
The Leap of Faith To Save a Language
Forty years ago the Māori language was on the brink of dying out. Only 5% of Māori spoke it fluently. A massive push to save it was underway and at the heart of that movement was a little school at… Audio
Live performances at Mīharo Polyfest draw crowds
Organisers have overcome the Covid-19 pandemic to stage the 11th year of the Mīharo Polyfest, formally known as Murihiku Polyfest.
Value of te reo Māori for all 'is what will save it' - Justice Joe Williams
The te reo Māori Waitangi Tribunal claim in the 1980s should have been about the "value of the reo for all," Justice Joe Williams, who was on the legal team for the landmark case, says.
Tokelauan community in NZ works to keep language alive
Ensuring the survival of their language for future generations is why the Tokelaun community in Porirua are keen to have their language included in the New Zealand curriculum. Audio
Concerning language skills of new entrants
New research has found many children starting primary school are not able to speak properly, some with the language skills of toddlers. In fact, up to two thirds of new entrants in schools that were… Audio
Research shows bilingual mums have better mental health
It's been discovered that being both fluent in English and a Pacific language helps protect the mental well-being of new Pacific mums. Audio
The future of Tokelauan: Is it at risk?
More Tokelauans reside in New Zealand than on the tiny pacific atolls. What does this mean for the future of the language? Audio
Concerns the Tokelau language dying
Staying strong during challenging times is the focus of this year's Tokelau Language Week.
But despite the language week occurring every year for almost a decade, the language is dying away and could… Audio
A researcher warns Tokelauans to preserve their language
A lingusitics researcher from the University of Auckland has warned with less than 4000 people speaking Tokelauan, the language is in danger of dying. Audio
Karena Kelly: Translating Dr Seuss into te reo Māori
Dr Karena Kelly, a specialist in Māori language and linguistics, took on the task of translating Seuss’ last book published before his death Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Audio
Preserving the endangered Tokelauan language
Less than 4000 people speak Tokelauan, and the majority of them live in New Zealand - rather than in Tokelau itself. Audio
How author Tania Roxborogh is luring kids into Māori mythology
Tania is an award-winning author whose latest work draws young readers into the world of MÄori mythology - through a rollicking tale of adventure. Tania Roxborogh has written more than thirty… Audio
For the love of language
Helping teach children this ancient language with roots in Mesopotamia are a group of passionately protective custodians both young and old in Wellington. Produced by Kadambari Raghukumar. Audio
The return of the Guy Montgomery Guy Mont-Spelling Bee
During lockdown, comedian Guy Montgomery's creative juices were flowing and he came up with the idea of getting comedians to take part in a spelling bee. He talks to Jesse about how it works and… Audio
Fijian Language Week important for preserving itaukei
A Fijian living in New Zealand says Fijian Language Week is important for the preserving the language - also known as iTaukei, which is declining in use.
The 2020 Fijian Language theme is 'Noqu Vosa… Audio