Exploring Goals and Motivations of Maori Heritage Language Learners

Y

27

Heritage Education; Qualitative Research; Learning Motivation; Malayo Polynesian Languages; Language Maintenance; Cultural Maintenance; Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; Pacific Islanders; Ethnic Groups; Native Language Instruction; Interviews; Student Attitudes; Undergraduate Students; Language Usage; Foreign Countries; Child Rearing; Parent Child Relationship; Cultural Awareness; Leadership Responsibility

2083-5205

Motivations of Maori heritage language learners are explored within this qualitative study. "Te reo" Maori (the Maori language) is currently classed as endangered (Reedy et al., 2011), which calls for the exploration of the motivational experiences of Maori heritage language learners. A total of 19 interviews with beginner, intermediate and advanced level learners were conducted. Results demonstrated how Maori heritage learners were motivated to learn due to their cultural heritage connection to the language and to other ingroup members. This study explores some of the motivations why Maori heritage language learners learn te reo Maori. For this group of indigenous language learners, cultural and language revitalisation are tied to language motivation. Furthermore, the ability to participate in cultural practices was central to language motivations.

As Provided

59

2017

EJ1135051