Is it possible to track the revitalisation of te reo Māori statistically? Different large-scale statistical collections (censuses and surveys) effectively have different definitions of ‘speaker’ because they ask different questions. This paper compares trends in numbers of Māori speakers as estimated from responses to questions about conversational ability, first language, and level of speaking proficiency, with particular reference to the 2013 Census and Te Kupenga (Māori social survey) 2013. One might expect estimates based on these responses to align closely, but they do not. This paper builds on earlier work by Statistics New Zealand (2014a, b) and explores the complex relationships between the different estimates for different birth cohorts, and argues that these reflect the real complexity of revitalisation processes, as well as varying interpretations of language questions. Taking into account the limitations of statistical analysis based on a small number of questions, it is argued that it is nevertheless a useful complement to small scale and qualitative studies in understanding the progress of Māori language revitalisation. In particular, survey data on first language provides additional evidence of a resurgence in intergenerational language transmission, as reported by Hutchings et al. (2017).
References:
Statistics New Zealand (2014a). Measuring te reo Māori speakers: A guide to different data sources. http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/people_and_communities/maori/measuring-te-reo-maori-speakers.aspx
Statistics New Zealand (2014b). Ka mārō te aho tapu, ka tau te korowai: Te reo Māori findings from Te Kupenga 2013. http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/people_and_communities/maori/te-reo-report-2013.aspx
Hutchings, Jessica et al. (2017). Te Ahu o te Reo: Te reo Māori in homes and communities – Overview Report. http://www.nzcer.org.nz/research/publications/te-ahu-o-te-reo-overview-report
