Tahitian: More prestige, fewer speakers
Paia, Mirose
Tahitian: More prestige, fewer speakers - 2002.
100
In spite of the regularly announced figure of 70% tahitian-speakers in French Polynesia, a linguistic survey would probably reveal large differences in competence levels in Tahitian as well as the diffusion of a language which is a mixture of Tahitian and French. The commitment of both local institutions and French State has given Tahitian a prestigious status.But that may be not enough to undo the tendency in people’s homes. Still, the best option for everyone is to be bilingual. We need to avoid, on one hand, the spreading of semi-linguism and, on the other hand, that the mastery of French, which permits access to important jobs, and that of Tahitian, which confers both symbolic and political maohi (literally, native) legitimacy, are reserved for an elite. School plays an important role in promoting Tahitian beside French; however, it cannot be more efficient than the family in transmitting the language and building up a native’s linguistic competence.
Tahitian: More prestige, fewer speakers - 2002.
100
In spite of the regularly announced figure of 70% tahitian-speakers in French Polynesia, a linguistic survey would probably reveal large differences in competence levels in Tahitian as well as the diffusion of a language which is a mixture of Tahitian and French. The commitment of both local institutions and French State has given Tahitian a prestigious status.But that may be not enough to undo the tendency in people’s homes. Still, the best option for everyone is to be bilingual. We need to avoid, on one hand, the spreading of semi-linguism and, on the other hand, that the mastery of French, which permits access to important jobs, and that of Tahitian, which confers both symbolic and political maohi (literally, native) legitimacy, are reserved for an elite. School plays an important role in promoting Tahitian beside French; however, it cannot be more efficient than the family in transmitting the language and building up a native’s linguistic competence.
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