We are never too old to learn a language and it is great for keeping the mind stimulated and engaged. It is also something we can do at home without heading into a class.
Now is a great time to utilise the opportunities available through Auckland Council, so have a look at how you can expand your language skills.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week)
There has been an upsurge in people wanting to learn Te Reo Māori over the past few years meaning it can be hard to get into a class. But there are plenty of free online opportunities to take your te reo to the next level.
Auckland Council Libraries is running Mahuru Māori – a month-long focus on te reo, with the theme being Tōku reo, tōku tūrangawaewae (My language, my home).
With many resources to help you learn Te Reo, from Māori books for kids as well as for adults. There is also te reo books to read for the more advanced learners or engage with te reo stories with the Lingogo app, available with a free library membership.
As part of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum is also celebrating this incredible and unique taonga (treasure). Explore the Māori names of the different exhibitions with Tāmaki Paenga Hira, discover precious books, test your reo knowledge through a kupu quiz, or through the crosswords available. Help your tamariki (children) learn some waiata (songs), or simply read some of the great stories available on the website.
For all things connected to te taiao (the natural world) this Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, head to Auckland Zoo’s website. Enjoy the 5-part te reo Māori series, Tipi Nuku, as host Ngarangi and zoo educators meet with different animal keepers around Auckland Zoo to learn more about the kararehe (animals) at the zoo. Or search for the kupu (word) of the day, either by yourself or with your whānau.
Passage to the Pacific
Lingogo is not just about reading and listening to te reo stories. Through an Auckland Council Libraries membership, the app also has some Samoan and Tongan stories.
Tāmaki Makaurau is the largest Polynesian city in the world and with Samoans and Tongans making up the two biggest Pasifika populations, Lingogo provides a good way to learn and engage with the stories of our Samoan and Tongan neighbours.
How to use Lingogo:
- Download the app through your preferred app store.
- Choose Auckland Council Libraries from the drop-down menu and then enter your library membership number.
- Enjoy!
