Speak my language, share my culture
In New Zealand we have three official languages - te reo Māori, English, and New Zealand Sign Language. They are our fundamental means of communication and many cultures believe that the highest compliment you can pay another is to learn its language and customs. This week is International Languages Week - a chance to discover new languages and cultures. Students, travellers and business people all understand and value second and third languages - it can make difficult situations a lot easier when you are overseas, and open doorways to new and exciting experiences.
 As communities become more mobile, languages and cultures travel beyond their original geographical boundaries. Christchurch City Libraries New Settlers pages contain information in several languages about membership and the collections and services that the library provides. Collections of adults’ and children’s fiction in world languages are available at Central, Fendalton and Upper Riccarton libraries. Non-fiction resources, such as bi-lingual dictionaries and phrasebooks, and the Road Code are also available.
The Migrant’s Guide pages on the Christchurch City Council web site contains useful information for those new to the city.
Learning a language? Start at home
 Let’s start at home - if you missed te wiki o te reo Māori, we have a large collection of resources for learners of Māori. Start with some simple words and phrases, and then move on to a course. Why not find out more about pre-European Māori settlements?
 Radio station multi-lingual ‘safe haven’
Plains FM is Canterbury’s community radio station. Approaching its twentieth birthday, station manager Nicki Reece describes the station as a safe haven - a place migrants can use to help their communities settle in, keep-up-to-date and retain their ties with their culture and language. This unique, not-for-profit local media outlet broadcasts in 17 languages.
Improve your language skills
 If bad punctuation annoys you, you'll love Eats, Shoots & Leaves, by Lynne Truss - a lesson in the importance of punctuation for people who don’t get taught it anymore.
Those who need to write or make speeches can also find resources to help improve and expand their written and spoken communication. If you’ve got a wedding, birthday or job interview coming up some time to practice on your presentation could make all the difference. Try books on public speaking or business writing. For a different approach, read Lend Me Your Ears by Max Atkinson, which details how to make business presentations and speeches more persuasive.
Most of us never think twice about our daily use of English, but there are thousands of students and business people who make an effort to master its complexities every day. All libraries have ESOL resources including study books of grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing as well as non-fiction books. Audio-visual materials are available including IELTS preparation materials.
We recommend: language resources
Our online resources:
Our Internet Gateway recommends:
Browse the resources in our libraries:
Other online resources
Next week - New Zealand Book Month
Celebrate the increasing wealth of New Zealand's vibrant literary scene at your library next week. More than 50 events, workshops and great New Zealand writing are on the menu as we preview New Zealand Book month - a not-for-profit initiative designed to get Kiwis reading Kiwi authors. |
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