Language Situation and Language Policy in New Zealand

Abstract

The article considers specific features of the language situation and the language policy in New Zealand. The author takes into consideration the social status of English and Maori, draws reader’s attention to the state policy of the Ministry of education of New Zealand and the activities of governmental and non-governmental organizations concerning the English language, Maori and the New Zealand Sign Language. The author analyzes New Zealand state reforms, aimed at cultivation of the cultural, educational and communicative value of the Maori language and culture. The paper draws attention to the growth of ethnic consciousness of the Maori people, communicative expansion of the Maori language usage in public, political, educational, scientific and cultural spheres of New Zealand.

Keywords

• языковая ситуация
• языковая политика
• мультикультурализм
• новозеландский язык жестов
• новозеландский национальный вариант английского языка
• язык маори