M?ori delegation visits Trinity to discuss the preservation of native languages

Posted on: 23 May 2017

M?ori delegation from New Zealand are visiting Trinity College Dublin to examine indigenous languages and revitalisation strategies. 

The group is from Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo, the Institute of Excellence in M?ori in New Zealand.  

During the event, the group will attend a series of talks on language revitalisation with particular reference to Irish as well as attend linguistic labs to observe some of the ongoing projects and research.

Assistant Professor in the Centre for Language and Communication Studies in Trinity Dr Sarah O’Brien said "The visit of the Te Panekiretanga delegation from New Zealand provides an exciting opportunity to share our knowledge and research with global colleagues, to strengthen our collaborations with indigenous language advocates and to offer our particular support to those engaged in the preservation of the M?ori Language". 

The director of Te Panekiretanga o Te Reo Professor T?moti K?retu is also expected to say a few words about the purpose of their trip as well as talk about the current health of the M?ori language.

The M?ori language is of particular interest to one of Trinity’s PhD students, Aoife Finn.

Ms Finn, who is currently a final year PhD student in the Trinity School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication studies, gained attention in New Zealand last year for her studies of M?ori despite never having visited New Zealand. Ms Finn began studying M?ori after she found a M?ori grammar book in the Trinity Library.

Last year, Ms Finn travelled to New Zealand under the patronage of Te W?nanga o Aotearoa, one of New Zealand’s largest tertiary organizations, where she was praised for her commitment to the language. 

Ms Finn said, “I’m delighted that the Centre for Language and Communication Studies are welcoming Te Panekiretanga. As island nations revitalising our indigenous languages, we have a natural affinity and much to learn from each other.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to show our guests the respect and esteem in which we hold both Te Reo M?ori and our visitors themselves. It’s also a chance to reciprocate the kindness and generosity that was shown to me during my trip to New Zealand.”