Celebrating New Zealand’s many ways to say ‘hello’
English Language Partners is joining hands with Community Languages Association of New Zealand (CLANZ) to produce new
resources to celebrate UNESCO’s International Mother Languages Day, 21 February.
The two organisations have created a poster and a bookmark to feature greetings in 29 languages, including English,
Māori and NZ Sign. The resources will be available in community locations and in schools and workplaces throughout New
Zealand.
The bookmark encourages people to use their mother tongue and teach others to have a go at saying ‘hello’ in another
language.
Inspiring the partnership was a desire by both community organisations to acknowledge the growing number of languages
Kiwis converse in these days.
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While these languages are mostly spoken in the home, International Mother Language Day showcases New Zealand’s
increasing cultural diversity and highlights the opportunity Kiwis have to expand their social and economic connections
globally.
The initiative is receiving support from a number of organisations, including UNESCO, the Human Rights Commission, and
the Council of Trade Unions.
English Language Partners delivers a range of English-language programmes to assist with community and workplace English
language. The organisation operates in 23 locations and works closely with migrant and refugee communities. ESOL
programmes engage both professional teachers and volunteer tutors.
CLANZ works to maintain community languages – running language classes and developing initiatives to support teaching
practices in their community based schools.
ENDS