The Second Language Education in New Zealand : A View of Language Policy

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  • ニュージーランドの第二言語教育への意識に関する一考察
  • ニュージーランド ノ ダイ2 ゲンゴ キョウイク エ ノ イシキ ニ カンスル イチ コウサツ

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss language policy and second language education in New Zealand. English is the major language of government, trade, the media and social communication. However, other languages are beginning to be used more widely. Faced with major changes such as its growing linguistic diversity, growing trade links with the non-English-speaking world and the revitalization of the Maori language, New Zealand needs to adopt a comprehensive approach to all these language issues. In 1992, the discussion document, Aoteareo: Speaking for Ourselves, was released to examine language issues. It is divided into two parts: a brief overview and a longer section expanding on the issues, identifying six priority areas for the development of a national language policy. However, there has been no official endorsement of a substantive policy. The present paper first outlines the historical background of language policy in New Zealand. Second, it considers language education, focusing particularly on second language education in schools. In particular, it analyzes the results of a questionnaire survey of secondary school language learners and their parents concerning their attitudes towards second language education. The analysis reveals a number of problems for further discussion. Finally, the paper underscores points for future improvement of second language education in New Zealand.

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