Te Reo - Critique of 2006 Survey by Dr Winifred Bauer

Te Reo

Volume 51 (2008)

Is the Health of Te Reo Maori Improving?

Bauer, Winifred¹

Abstract: This paper compares the statistics about the health of te reo Maori from the 2001 and 2006 national surveys and the language knowledge question in the 2001 and 2006 censuses. Three areas are considered: children's use of te reo, gender differences in te reo speakers, and speaking proficiency in te reo, both nationally and regionally. The paper argues that the data from the national surveys is not reliable enough to provide a good picture, and the figures from the censuses show few positive signs that knowledge of te reo is strengthening rather than declining. It is also suggested that the current national survey methodology is not serving its intended purpose, and it is argued that a different language strategy might needed if te reo is to be preserved.

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To cite this article: Bauer, Winifred. Is the Health of Te Reo Maori Improving? [online]. Te Reo, Vol. 51, 2008: 33-73. Availability:<http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=586988214570105;res=IELHSS> ISSN: 0494-8440. [cited 14 Aug 13].

Personal Author: Bauer, Winifred

Source: Te Reo, Vol. 51, 2008: 33-73

Document Type: Journal Article

ISSN: 0494-8440

Subject: Maori language; Language maintenance; Language revival; Language surveys

Peer Reviewed: Yes 

Affiliation:

⁽¹⁾ Te Kawa a Maui, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, email: winifred.bauer@vuw.ac.nz

Database: Humanities & Social Sciences Collection