Tuvalu Language Week ends with a celebration

Tuvalu Language Week has hit New Zealand, with this year's theme being “Taofi mau ki tau ‘gana, mo tou gaugaleo, me ko tou iloga tena”, meaning “Uphold your language and dialect, for it is your identity”.

The Kaiga Tuvalu Otago community chose the theme, stating that, “speaking your native language or dialect connects you to your ancestors and culture, creating a strong sense of belonging and pride.

“This helps maintain community bonds and ensures cultural traditions are passed down. Preserving one’s dialect is unique because it captures the special ways of speaking in a particular community, adding richness and diversity to the cultural tapestry. ”

Tuvalu Language Week started on 29 September and will run until 5 October, coinciding with Tuvalu Independence Day on 1 October.

There are currently around 3000 Tuvaluan language speakers in New Zealand. According to UNESCO, the language is “definitely endangered” and has had a sharp decline in use since the 2006 Census.

Around 3000 Tuvaluan language speakers are in New Zealand, and according to UNESCO, the language is “definitely endangered”. Photo/Ministry of Pacific Peoples

PMN Tuvalu host Fala Haulangi told PMN News that the Tuvaluan language needs to be preserved by the youth now so it can flourish in the future.

“Encouraging our young people to stick to their identity, their cultures, their languages, to make sure that they know who they are.

“We are also fighting on that level because we want to survive. We want to make our people back home flourish and prosper in the future as well.”

Haulangi urges action to reduce climate emissions and warns that preserving the Tuvaluan language is not enough as Tuvalu faces the threat of rising sea levels.

“Our people are living in fear every day because of the predictions that Tuvalu might disappear in 50 years.

“We don't want that because we are not just about encouraging our young Tuvaluans here in Aotearoa to speak the language and to hold on to their identity.

“On a bigger scale, we are fighting to reduce carbon emissions because we want to be there in 50 years' time and 100 years' time, not to disappear.

“If Tuvalu disappears, then our languages, our identity, our cultures, our traditions, everything else will disappear.”

Fala Haulangi urges action against climate change as Tuvalu is at risk of submerging in the next 50 to 100 years. Photo/Supplied

There are lots of ways to celebrate this Tuvalu Language Week, says Haulangi, even if you aren't from Tuvalu.

“Our PMN website and PMN Tuvalu have all the different phrases written there, so you can have a go with it.

“Say a Tuvaluan word or phrase and put it up on your Facebook page, or even talk to your colleagues at work.

“Students, talk to your friends and put it up on your Facebook page, Instagram, TikTok, and say, “Hey, I'm celebrating Tuvaluan language week by learning this word. We just have to start small and build it from there.”

The Auckland Tuvaluan community is celebrating Independence Day and the end of language week with festivity at the Massey YMCA from 9am to 4pm

If you are free on Saturday and live in Auckland, come to the closing celebration of Tuvalu Language Week, says Haulangi.

“Each region does their own thing; for Auckland, there's a big event coming up for those of you who have been really busy working. If you have the time to celebrate, come down to the YMCA.

“There's a big celebration. They are celebrating the Tuvalu language week and the Tuvalu independence celebration as well.”

Other regions may also have celebrations. To find out more, visit the MPP site.