Indigenous language sustainability during COVID-19

Authors

  • Dion Enari Auckland University of Technology

Keywords:

language, COVID-19, Pacific Island, Samoa, innovation

Abstract

This paper gives insights into the ways an Indigenous group has continued to teach and learn their language(s) during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an insider researcher from this community, I draw upon observations and dialogue among my people globally, as part of an inquiry into our language sustainability. Although social distancing and border closures hindered communal gatherings, this cohort continued to teach and learn their language(s). Many used digital forums such as social media, Zoom and Facebook to facilitate their language transmission. This article shares how this group has been able to maintain and sustain their language(s) in a time of global crisis, may their story support the Indigenous language fight.

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Published

2021-09-14 — Updated on 2021-09-14

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