Labour to ask all political parties to promote Samoan Language Week

The Labour Party has unanimously agreed to promote Samoan Language Week in the New Zealand House of Representatives and will be seeking the support of other political parties, says Labour MP for Mangere and Associate Spokesperson on Pacific Island Affairs, Su’a William Sio.

“I am thrilled that Labour MPs have agreed to support Samoan Language Week which runs from 30 May-5 June and they will be making attempts to speak the language in Parliament during the week,” Su’a William Sio said.

“New Zealand has a large number of Samoan speakers living here and it is great to see my colleagues embracing the language.

“I will be writing to all political parties over the next few days asking for their support to have Samoan spoken in Parliament.

“I know that having political parties across the spectrum support Samoan Language week would mean a great deal to people.

“Already I have had several emails from people congratulating Labour for supporting the Samoan language and I hope other politicians will also agree to take part.

“The participation of all political parties in recognising this significant week will send a strong message that New Zealanders at the highest level embraces the diversity of cultures and languages as one of the strengths of our nation moving forward.

“Since we live in the South Pacific region, I hope it will give encouragement to all our kids to learn the most spoken Pacific language, as well as the other languages of the Pacific, and around the world.

“In New Zealand, Samoan is the third most spoken language in the country. Many Pacific Island parents whose children were born here recognise the value of using the Samoan language to help keep them in touch with their culture,” Su’a William Sio said.

Between the 2001 and 2006 Censuses, the number of multi-lingual people (people who can speak two or more languages) increased by 19.5% to reach 671,658 people.

ENDS

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