Pacific Languages in Education

The Pacific region has over 1200 indigenous languages, different Pacific Island countries have different 'language profiles'. Some countries, such as Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Niue, Tokelau, have only one indigenous language, which has relatively high status. Other countries, such as Papua New Guinea, Vauantu, and Solomon Islands have a large number of languages, all with low status. The metropolitan languages English and French have been the primary languages of education throughout the region. Indigenous languages also have a place in some education systems. Many Pacific Islanders, including those writing in this collection, believe that place should be larger. This collection of articles and interviews explores policy, practice and attitudes relating to the use of Pacific languages in education systems of most Pacific Island countries and territories, from pre-school to tertiary level. It records history; it deals with current attitudes and prejudices; and it focuses attention on perceived problems with the medium of education in many parts of the region.