Tongan Language classes launched in Brisbane, Australia [1]
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 - 14:20. Updated on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 - 14:49.
The Queensland Tongan Language School announced it will hold classes for the first-time next year at a soft launch on Saturday, 16 November at Highgate Hill, Brisbane, Australia.
The launch was held at the Park Uniting Church Tongan Congregation and attended by councillors, university representatives, community leaders, teachers and future students.
The school will be run by the Brisbane Tongan Community (BTC) at Griffith University Logan campus with classes for primary, secondary, and open adults held on Saturdays between 2pm and 4pm during school term.
Principal of the New South Wales Tongan Language School in Sydney, Mrs Uanivā Havea highlighted in her keynote speech, the importance of preserving and teaching the Tongan language in Australia.
“By providing a platform for our children to learn the Tongan language, we are further empowering them to connect with their culture and their identity, notwithstanding the fact we then allow them to think in two worlds, the Australian context as well as a Tongan context.”
She advised volunteer teachers to avoid using English words in classes.
“We need to be ahead of the game in developing our Tongan vocabulary with the evolution of new terminology and ensure we avoid Tonganising English words to see our language valued and preserved.”
Brisbane City Council The Gabba Ward representative, Councillor Jonathan Sri, whose office funds many Tongan and bilingual resources, highlighted the importance of connecting with culture.
“If you teach something to someone when they are really young, it’s like engraving it in stone on their hearts, because it promotes pride and confidence in their identity,” he said.
“It is so important to maintain your connection to your culture and the language of your ancestors.”
Moreton Bay Regional Council representative, Cr Koliana Winchester (nee Saafi) donated $1,000 to assist with ongoing school resources.
BTC Secretary, Mrs Leilehua Fa’onevai said they are really encouraged by the number of non-Tongans as well as Australian and New Zealand-born Tongans who have enrolled for classes.
Enrolment is still open for 2020 and the committee is exploring a webinar option.
According to the Australian 2016 Census, there are over 32,691 Australians with Tongan ancestry with 17.2% residing in Queensland. An estimated 82.3% speak Tongan at home fluently.