Towards a decolonial, indigenous Polynesian language education system: Polynesian language to Polynesian language instruction (pl2pli)

Abstract

In this thesis, I propose developing an approach to teaching Eastern Polynesian languages through the medium of another Eastern Polynesian language. This approach will leverage the similarities between the three languages included in this proposal – ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, te reo Māori, and reo Tahiti – while attending to their differences by applying current theories in Second Language Acquisitions (SLA) and Third and Additional Language Acquisition (TALA) and other disciplines. I frame this proposal within broader efforts to decolonize the Pacific in many contexts, including economic empowerment, sovereignty, landback initiatives, environmental stewardship, resource management, the revitalization of cultural practices, including art, dance, music, and language, and political and legal system reforms. I acknowledge the obstacles to implementing such a proposal and noted some in the preceding paragraphs. Undoubtedly, more will emerge as language advocates across the Pacific engage with the initiatives outlined in this thesis.