R Paterson (The Weekend Sun, August 31) seems unaware that Maori language does have an economic value for us. New Zealand benefits from people who can speak the languages of the countries that we trade with and from which tourists come. Language experts say that the best foundation for adults to learn a foreign language is for them to learn the basics of a second language at primary school. The only practical second language for us to teach in primary schools is Maori. So in fact, it is sound economics for us to teach basic Maori to all primary school students, as well as improving race relations.
P Dey, Welcome Bay.
3 comments
life support sucking millions of our dollars
Posted on 07-09-2018 20:44 | By Captain Sensible
Maori language has been on tax payer funded life support for decades and still hardly anyone cares about it. If it was an animal....it would have been put down years ago.
CaptainSensible, you disagree with nothing in the letter
Posted on 10-09-2018 13:23 | By Peter Dey
Captain Sensible, you disagree with nothing in the letter. You disparage Maori language but you give no rational reason for this. The economic future of New Zealand will be helped when all primary school students learn Maori language. Your opposition to Maori language seems to be based purely on a belief that things Maori are inferior.
Unpalatable truth
Posted on 11-09-2018 08:52 | By Captain Sensible
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but in the 1800's, prior to the Treaty, maori had no written language, were constantly at war with inter tribal warfare, enslaved and murdered each other generally were inferior. I don't mean that in a bad way, but let's be honest. It is laughable to hear maori words for things and countries etc that they were blissfully unaware of in the 1800's....like wheels and France and oil and conservation etc. I know the truth can be unpalatable , but face the facts.
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