This year Tongan language week theme for Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2023 is ‘E tu’uloa ‘a e Lea faka-Tongá ‘o ka lea’aki ‘i ‘api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-‘a-kāingá, which means the Tongan Language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community.
Half of the students in our class are Tongan, so it is important to reinforce the Tongan language. According to the Ministry of Pacific People, only 40% of the 82,389 Tongan people in New Zealand speak their language. This is especially concerning for children under 15, of whom only 21% speak Tongan.
One way to support the Tongan language is to teach students how to recite their pepeha in Tongan. A pepeha is a traditional Māori way of introducing oneself, and it can be adapted to other cultures. By reciting their pepeha in Tongan, students can learn more about their heritage and culture, and they can also help to keep the Tongan language alive.
Check out one of our students Mia reciting her pepeha in Tongan!
ps>. Check out Eziaz, Meki & Ofili’s facts about Tonga below! Malo ‘aupito!
Meki’s 4-facts-Tongan-language week
Eziaz’ 5 Facts: Uike Lea Faka-Tonga
