Background Information
The population of New Zealand consists of approximately 5 million people and is growing each year. Out of those 5 million, almost 90% are of European ethnicity and 80% of that European ethnicity speaks English as their first language, which in turn makes English the most spoken language in New Zealand. The knowledge of English is also continuing to expand, with an increase of 20% in population speaking English between 2006 and 2013.
Official Language
New Zealand does not have an official language meaning that people living in the country are able to communicate in whatever language they are most comfortable with. Although English is the most common language, it is estimated that New Zealanders also speak over 160 languages. This is due to the large number of migrants that have settled in the country over the years, making it a culturally and linguistically diverse nation.
Facts & Figures
Although English is the primary language spoken in New Zealand, there were still an estimated 771,583 people who spoke a language other than English at a higher level in 2013. The most spoken language other than English was Samoan with 103,096 people, followed closely by the Maori language with 89,439 people, then Mandarin with 77,080 and Hindi with 76,693.
Usage
English is used in many of New Zealand’s institutions and is mainly focused around education, government, the media, entertainment and communication. Due to the official status of the languages being non-existent, English is used for their own practical purposes. There are some municipalities and councils that encourage the use of other languages with the most notable being in Auckland, where Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic, and Hindi are the most spoken languages, besides English, of course.
Impact on New Zealand Culture
The infusion of multiple cultures and languages has had a great impact on New Zealand culture. Specifically, it has created a sense of diversity and inclusivity amongst the people living there and has also allowed a wide variety of different cultural values and behaviours to coexist in one place. This has enabled the country to become more accepting, tolerant, and understanding of different cultures and ethnicities, both from within and outside of New Zealand.
Expert Insights
Experts in this area agree that the language spoken in New Zealand has had a significant contribution to the way the country operates and the way its citizens interact with one another. Dr. John Stephens, a linguist at the University of Auckland, explains that a multilingual society is naturally an open and more accepting society. He states that “this is because we are exposed to different ways of living and this ultimately encourages us to be more understanding and tolerant of different cultures and traditions.”
Analysis
The most spoken language in New Zealand is English and it has greatly contributed to the diversity and inclusivity of the country. It is the language of communication for many government institutions and is the language used in many parts of the educational system. This has allowed New Zealand to become a melting pot of different cultures and languages, without the need for an official language. Furthermore, it has encouraged the citizens of New Zealand to be more understanding and accepting of other cultures, both from within and outside of the country.
Socio-economic Benefits of Linguistic Diversity
The linguistic diversity within New Zealand has cultural and socio-economic benefits. This includes increased labour market opportunities, educational benefits, social benefits and economic benefits. By ensuring that all citizens of New Zealand are able to communicate in their own language, they will be more likely to be engaged in both the public and private sectors of the economy. As a result, this will lead to increased levels of employment, economic growth, and improved living standards for everyone living in the country.
Government Support
The government of New Zealand is supportive of the country’s linguistic diversity and have implemented a number of strategies and initiatives to ensure every citizen has the opportunity to communicate in their own language. These initiatives include the development of an official Maori language strategy, the development and implementation of a multicultural national language policy, the development of regional language plans, and the establishment of a number of language task forces to advance the use of other languages.
Benefits to Employers
In addition to its social benefits, linguistic diversity is also beneficial to employers. This is because having more languages spoken in the workplace can lead to increased innovation and creativity, improved customer experience, enhanced collaboration between employees, better customer service, and increased job satisfaction. The diversity of language also allows employers to tap into different markets more easily, as well as introducing new skills and perspectives.
Effects on Education
Having a range of languages spoken in New Zealand has also had a positive effect on education. It allows students to be exposed to different cultures and towards different ways of thinking and has enabled teachers to become more culturally aware. This in turn encourages students to become more reflective and tolerant towards different cultures and develop a better understanding of other worldviews and values.
Integration of Cultures
The integration of different cultures in New Zealand has been made easier by the existence of widespread bilingualism. This is because communication between two cultures is easier when both cultures share the same language, as it eliminates any cultural confusion and misunderstandings which might arise. This integration of cultures has also been beneficial to tourism as it allows tourists to more easily assimilate in New Zealand culture, creating a more welcoming environment for visitors.
Translation Services
The increased linguistic diversity in New Zealand has highlighted the need for more translation services. There are now a range of translation services available within New Zealand, including government services, general services, business services, and medical services. This has allowed immigrants in the country to receive information in their own language and has made it easier for them to participate in New Zealand society.
