31 Oct 2019

Language weeks keep Tokelau tongue alive - community leader

From , 5:00 am on 31 October 2019

A community leader who has been recognised for his development work and promotion of Tokelauans says New Zealand's Pasifika language weeks are helping save his people's tongue.     

Reverend Tui Sopoaga, who received a Queen's Service Medal earlier this year, says it's important for the New Zealand-based community to keep using their language as the vast majority of Tokelauans live in Aotearoa.

He told Koro Vaka'uta that over the eight years Tokelau language week has been celebrated, he has seen a marked improvement in the language skills of particularly young people. 

Tokelauan comunity leader, Rev Tui Sopoaga

Tokelauan comunity leader, Rev Tui Sopoaga Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta