Right-Shifting A Nation to Empower an Indigenous Language in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Higgins, R. & Rewi, P. 2013.
Right-Shifting A Nation to Empower an Indigenous Language in Aotearoa/New Zealand [link]Paper  abstract   bibtex   
Since Māori became an official language in Aotearoa/New Zealand 25 years ago there has been sustained efforts by Māori language initiatives such as Kōhanga Reo (pre-school Māori language and cultural immersion education centres), Māori broadcasting (both television and radio), Kura Kaupapa (primary immersion schooling) and Te Ataarangi (community based language learning methodology) to revitalise the Māori language. Despite these efforts, research continues to lament the demise of the language with limited strategies to reverse this loss. Furthermore, this research is often framed using deficit theory and paints a grim picture for the future of the Māori language. Can we rebuild Māori language communities and encourage normalisation of the language through valuing the language? Te Kura Roa is a Pae Tawhiti research project commissioned by Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga (a Centre for Research Excellence) investigating the Value of the Māori language and the responsiveness of both the State and community to the language. After twelve months of enquiry, this presentation explains ZePA, the research model that has been adopted as a considered approach to Māori language strategies. This is primarily through right shifting people through three critical positions: Zero – Passive – Active. We present the application of the ZePA paradigm in identifying and presenting factors that enable or disable Māori language maintenance and acquisition and the impact this has on rebuilding Māori language communities. This presentation reveals the value shown towards the Māori language and what the potential of right-shifting communities to see the benefits for the inclusion of indigenous languages as part of a nation's identity.

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