Safeguarding Tuvalu language and identity

Tuvalu is in the spotlight this week as communities across New Zealand celebrate Vaiaso o te Gagana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week.

“The Government has a proven record of supporting Pacific communities and ensuring more of our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated,” Pacific Peoples Minister Barbara Edmonds said.

“Many of our islands are facing a growing impact from climate change. Tuvalu is no stranger to this stark reality with rising sea levels and more intense cyclone activities. 

“With their identity and culture on the line, safeguarding Te Gana Tuvalu has become vital for communities in New Zealand and their homeland.

“In 2023, Tagata Tuvalu Otautahi Incorporated and the wider community have selected the theme of Fakatumau kae fakaakoi tau ‘gana ke mautu a iloga o ‘ta tuā translating to Preserve and embrace your language to safeguard our heritage identities.”

Tuvalu consists of nine inhabited islands with a population of approximately 11,000 people. It is also the fourth-smallest nation in the world.

In New Zealand, there are over 4,600 people who identify as Tuvaluan and 48 percent are Te Gana Tuvalu speakers. 54 percent of our total population are New Zealand-born and only 25 percent of those under the age of 15 can speak the language.

“Preserving the Tuvalu language is the community’s call to maintain, embrace and cherish its value,” Barbara Edmonds said.

“Tuvalu community groups are working together to showcase their language across a variety of virtual and in-person activities this week including: traditional dancing, church services, flag raising ceremonies, craft making, cooking sessions, and children’s activities.

“I’m encouraging everyone to get involved to celebrate Vaiaso o te Gagana Tuvalu. Not only will you help sustain a vibrant language, but support our Pacific community to thrive,” Barbara Edmonds said.

Tuvalu Language Week runs from 1 October to 7 October. More information and resources can be found on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website.

Tausiga fakalei o te Gana mo Iloga faka Tuvalu

Tuvalu ko fakasilisiligina i te vaiaso nei ona ko tino Tuvalu katoa i Niu Sila nei ko fakamanatu te Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week.

“Te Malo ko oti ne fakatalitonugina tena tulaga ‘lago maloo ki Tino Pasefika mo te taumafaiga ko te lasiga o tou gana ke faipatigina, fakalagona kae fakamanuia,” pati a te Minisita o Tino Pasefika Barbara Edmonds.

“Lasiga o tou fenua ko fakafeagai mo gasolo aka o pokotiaga mai te mafulifuliga o tau o aso.  Te Tuvalu e se fou kia ia te tulaga faigata mai te tai fanaka mo te uke o matagi ko soloki aka olotou malosi.

Fakatutumauuga mo te puipuiga o Te Gana Tuvalu ko fakatauagina kii loa i te vaitaimi nei mo tino Tuvalu i te fenua tonu penei foki mo Niu Sila.

“I te 2023, Tino Tuvalu i Kalaisitete ne fili fakatasi ne latou te Muna tuku tenei  Fakatumau kae fakaakoi tau ‘gana ke mautu a iloga o ‘ta tuā.”

Tuvalu e iva ana fenua e nofogina ne tino e nofo ki se aofaki 11,000 tino.  A ia ko te fenua tulaga 4 i te foliki i te lalolagi.

I Niu Sila nei, e silia atu i te 4,600 tino e fai pela me ne tino Tuvalu kae nofo ki se 48 pasene o faipati ki te Gagana Tuvalu.  54 pasene o tino aofaki ne fanau i Niu Sila nei kae se 25 pasene o latou mai lalo o te 15 tausaga e mafai o faipati te gagana.

“Atafaiga o te gana Tuvalu se kalaga ki so se tino ke fakatumau, fakaakoi kae fakapelepele tena taua i gasologa o kautama,” muna Barbara Edmonds.

“Tino Tuvalu i olotou vaega kesekese e galue fakatasi o fakaasi te lotou gana i vaega valevale mo faifaiga tino takitokotasi i te vaiaso tenei ke aofia ei: ska faka aganuku, faiga tapuakiga, sisiga fuka, faiga o mea taulima, tunuga meakai mo me fai ei a tamaliki. 

“E fakamalosi atu au ke kau fakatasi mai koutou o fiafia i te vaiaso o te gagana Tuvalu.  Se gata fua i te fesoasoani o fakatumau te gana tela e ola, kae fesoasoani foki ki tino Pasefika ke mafai o ola lei,” pati a Barbara Edmonds.

Te vaiso o te Gagana Tuvallu e fakamanatugina mai te po 1^st Oketopa ki te po 7^th Oketopa.  Mo nisi fakamatalaga mo mea taua e mafai o maua i te Ministry for Pacific Peoples website.