For Aotearoa New Zealand, integrating te reo Māori in everyday communications is one of the keys to the normalisation and ongoing revitalisation of the language.
2021 data from Statistics New Zealand shows that 7.9 percent of New Zealanders can speak te reo fairly well – up from 6.1 percent in 2018, but still far removed from Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori (the Maori Language Commission)’s goal of one million speakers by 2040.
As a unique part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and identity, te reo Māori contains a wealth of traditions, knowledge systems (mātauranga Māori), and a distinct worldview.
The interaction between these elements and today’s modern influences is the basis of New Zealanders’ shared cultural identities, regardless of their ancestry.
In keeping with the digital nature of communication today, Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori and PB Tech’s te reo Māori keyboard initiative is a technological development aimed at empowering the use and awareness of te reo in daily life.
Normalisation through better user experience
Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) chief executive Ngahiwi Apanui (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hine and Te Whānau a-Apanui) says this project offers a new and significant method to integrate te reo Māori in everyday life.
By simplifying the typing process with features like single keys for common terms and tohutō (macros) on relevant vowels, the keyboard encourages more frequent use of the language in digital communications.
For users with casual or high fluency in te reo Māori, this enhancement makes it easier and more enjoyable to move between the reo Māori and QWERTY functionality.
This makes the keyboard an easy solution for all users at any level of proficiency to pick up and reduces the friction to gradually incorporating and ramping up the use of te reo day to day.
Empowering te reo Māori and upholding language integrity
The reo Māori keyboard initiative recognises the crucial role of reo Māori speakers, of all levels in language revitalisation.
By providing a tool designed for efficient and accurate typing in te reo Māori, this creates another environment where all people can practice and utilse their ability of reo Māori. Government agencies can make it easier for its people to use their knowledge, support their efforts for normalisation and to transmit the language to future generations.
In support of Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori’s audacious goal of one million speakers by 2040, this is particularly important given the historical decline in the number of fluent reo Māori speakers and the ongoing need to ensure the language's accuracy and quality.
As Victoria University of Wellington’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Rawinia Higgins puts it: a thriving te reo contributes to a richer, more inclusive national identity reflecting New Zealand’s unique bicultural heritage.
Empowering speakers and learners to use te reo Māori in digital communications reflects a commitment to honouring the place of te reo as a national taonga (treasure), and an acknowledgement of its role in making Aotearoa New Zealand a more cohesive and inclusive society.
Leading by example to influence broader adoption
Revitalisation efforts are an important aspect of addressing historical injustice and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
Maihi Karauna, the Crown’s strategy document for the revitalisation of the language, says those who work in the public sector are often on the front line, face to face, delivering services.
As such, the Crown recognises the importance and value of using reo Māori in the work place, ensuring their contributing to the protection, revitalisation and reflecting the communities we engage with.
By demonstrating its commitment to te reo Māori through concrete actions and tools, the Government can lead the way for similar initiatives in other organisations and sectors across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This leadership role is buttressed by the support of companies like Microsoft whose partnership in building the internal architecture required has enabled te reo keyboards to work as easily as they do on a wide range of devices.
In conclusion, te reo Māori keyboards are a significant step towards revitalising the language, enhancing inclusivity, and preserving Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
By simplifying typing and encouraging its use, these keyboards help integrate te reo Māori into daily digital communication, securing its relevance and vitality for future generations.