The Learning of English in New Zealand by Speakers of Other Languages

Abstract

A history of the English language in New Zealand is presented, centering on the case of English-language learning by the tangata whenua (native Maori groups) from the immigrants arriving in New Zealand. The tangata whenua, whose native tongue is te reo Maori, were taught Maori in their schools until the end of the nineteenth century when they were forced to learn English. Maori almost became extinct until 1975, when bilingual schools were reestablished. A history of the teaching of English to immigrants from countries where English is not the first language is also discussed, showing the different groups that have arrived in New Zealand & how New Zealand has gone about teaching them English. 15 References. A. Sturrock