International+examples

__NEW ZEALAND and PROMOTING the INDIGENOUS MAORI LANGUAGE__ There are countries around the world that have been successful in developing strong strategies for inclusion of their indigenous language in schools, including Hawaii, Quebec and New Zealand (Stiles, 2011). New Zealand in particular has seen positive results in both the survival of the Maori language and in educational outcomes for their students since formation and implementation of programs to include Maori in New Zealand schools. Of New Zealand's population of approximately 4 million, 15 percent are Maori people. The Maori people have a single version of their indigenous language which is spoken (Stiles, 2011). This differs from Australia where there are hundreds of indigenous languages spoken throughout the country. This could be a factor in the success of New Zealand in including their language in schools, and why Australia is at a lower stage in the implementation. The one language cannot be taught, individual areas would have to plan for what would suit them better. The Maori Language Commission [MLC] (2011) highlights that the indigenous Maori language is part of all New Zealanders' cultural heritage and identity. Similar to Australian indigenous languages, but on a much larger scale, many Maori words are used in everyday speech of all New Zealanders. Not unlike Australia, the indigenous language is often used to describe the environment, with words commonly spoken including place names, and names of flora and fauna (MLC, 2011 ). This can be likened to Australia, where we use Aboriginal place names like Wagga Wagga and Boomerang in ordinary speech.

As noted by the Maori Language Commission (2011), The Maori Language Commission, of New Zealand, is the driving force behind encouraging the use of the indigenous language in schools. They have recognised the importance of preserving and promoting language, and strive to spread the awareness of the importance of Maori to all New Zealanders (MLC, 2011).