title: A Grammar Sketch of Kwaraqae

authors: Macdonald, Daryl Eveline

subjects: Grammar

abstract: A Grammar Sketch of Kwaraqae is a synchronic linguistic analysis of the Kwaraqae language, one of sixty-three languages which are part of the North Malaita dialect chain in the Solomon Islands. The data was collected at the University of Waikato from urban dwelling Kwaraqae speakers. Although some work has already been done with this language (Deck, 1934, Walter, 1931), the frameworks of analysis and interpretation from these projects are now out-dated, and consequently not as useful for Linguistic Typologists working with Oceanic languages, or those linguists investigating specific language features such as metathesis (Sohn, 1980; Pawley, 1982; Blevins & Garrett, 1998; Baird, 2002; Heinz, 2004). This thesis has addressed both of these issues by firstly recording fresh data, and secondly, by the application of contemporary linguistic descriptive and typological theory and practices to the data. The description sketches the phonological system which has bilabial and palatal glides, labio-velar stops, a basic syllable shape of (C)V(V)(C), and complex syllable transformations such as metathesis and segment deletion which are often combined. Kwaraqae tends towards an isolating agglutinative typology. When constituents are marked, this occurs on the phrasal head. The basic order of the language is SVO. The nominal system displays the alienable /inalienable semantic distinction frequently found in Oceanic languages, a small closed sub-class being locative in function. The verbal system includes inherently transitive and intransitive verbs, where valence is increased by affixation, and decreased by reduplication, although not all verbs fit this pattern. There are intransitive verbs for which a transitive counterpart could not be elicited, and transitive verbs where the valence changing affixes appear to have become fossilised on the verb. Transitive verbs are often, though not always, indexed for their direct objects. Aspect is prominent in Kwaraqae, and is expressed in the verb phrase by an imperfective, a completive and/or a terminal marker. There is a marker of temporal immediacy, and a large group of free form verbal modifiers, all of which occur in the verb phrase. Fronting of subjects and direct objects is a frequent structure in clauses.

text: A Grammar Sketch of Kwaraqae A Grammar Sketch of Kwaraqae is a synchronic linguistic analysis of the Kwaraqae language, one of sixty-three languages which are part of the North Malaita dialect chain in the Solomon Islands. The data was collected at the University of Waikato from urban dwelling Kwaraqae speakers. Although some work has already been done with this language (Deck, 1934, Walter, 1931), the frameworks of analysis and interpretation from these projects are now out-dated, and consequently not as useful for Linguistic Typologists working with Oceanic languages, or those linguists investigating specific language features such as metathesis (Sohn, 1980; Pawley, 1982; Blevins & Garrett, 1998; Baird, 2002; Heinz, 2004). This thesis has addressed both of these issues by firstly recording fresh data, and secondly, by the application of contemporary linguistic descriptive and typological theory and practices to the data. The description sketches the phonological system which has bilabial and palatal glides, labio-velar stops, a basic syllable shape of (C)V(V)(C), and complex syllable transformations such as metathesis and segment deletion which are often combined. Kwaraqae tends towards an isolating agglutinative typology. When constituents are marked, this occurs on the phrasal head. The basic order of the language is SVO. The nominal system displays the alienable /inalienable semantic distinction frequently found in Oceanic languages, a small closed sub-class being locative in function. The verbal system includes inherently transitive and intransitive verbs, where valence is increased by affixation, and decreased by reduplication, although not all verbs fit this pattern. There are intransitive verbs for which a transitive counterpart could not be elicited, and transitive verbs where the valence changing affixes appear to have become fossilised on the verb. Transitive verbs are often, though not always, indexed for their direct objects. Aspect is prominent in Kwaraqae, and is expressed in the verb phrase by an imperfective, a completive and/or a terminal marker. There is a marker of temporal immediacy, and a large group of free form verbal modifiers, all of which occur in the verb phrase. Fronting of subjects and direct objects is a frequent structure in clauses.

year: 2010

title: Queering public transport: Understanding access for Aotearoa queer communities

authors: Crossland, Kiri

subjects: Public transport

abstract: Queer people face inequitable access to public transport. International literature suggests that queer people are more likely to be transit dependent, but at the same time more likely to experience discrimination, harassment or violence while using it. However, little is known about what makes public transport attractive or accessible to this group. This thesis seeks to address this through a survey of 347 public transport users (half of whom are queer) to understand this issue in an Aotearoa context. The results show the main factors influencing the attractiveness and accessibility of public transport to queer people are not feeling safe, lack of transport choice, long journey times, and affordability. Straight people are also influenced by these factors, however at lower rates. Interventions that could improve public transport attractiveness and accessibility for queer people were also identified. Safety improvements such as more frequent services, safety interventions along walking routes to public transport, and staff training are key to improving queer public transport access. Improving travel times to reduce queer exposure to discrimination and harassment is also important. Engagement with queer people is key to ensuring interventions are appropriate for local contexts. The survey also showed that police presence is unlikely to improve queer feelings of safety. This research was the first study of queer people’s access to public transport in Aotearoa and offers important practical insights as to how planners can support a just transition to a low emissions transport future.

text: Queering public transport: Understanding access for Aotearoa queer communities Queer people face inequitable access to public transport. International literature suggests that queer people are more likely to be transit dependent, but at the same time more likely to experience discrimination, harassment or violence while using it. However, little is known about what makes public transport attractive or accessible to this group. This thesis seeks to address this through a survey of 347 public transport users (half of whom are queer) to understand this issue in an Aotearoa context. The results show the main factors influencing the attractiveness and accessibility of public transport to queer people are not feeling safe, lack of transport choice, long journey times, and affordability. Straight people are also influenced by these factors, however at lower rates. Interventions that could improve public transport attractiveness and accessibility for queer people were also identified. Safety improvements such as more frequent services, safety interventions along walking routes to public transport, and staff training are key to improving queer public transport access. Improving travel times to reduce queer exposure to discrimination and harassment is also important. Engagement with queer people is key to ensuring interventions are appropriate for local contexts. The survey also showed that police presence is unlikely to improve queer feelings of safety. This research was the first study of queer people’s access to public transport in Aotearoa and offers important practical insights as to how planners can support a just transition to a low emissions transport future.

year: 2023

title: Reo Rua Pukapuka Pikitia: Whānau drawing on their community cultural wealth to create strategies for developing Te Reo Rangatira

authors: Brouwer, Jacqui

abstract: The use of Te Reo Māori in Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand is mandated in the ECE curriculum. Research shows that picturebooks are powerful tools in language learning, but there is a lack of research concerning the use of bilingual picturebooks by whānau to support Māori language learning in a New Zealand kindergarten. This research presents findings from a 4-week programme in which five whānau members were introduced to several types of dual language picturebooks (Reo Rua Pukapuka Pikitia, RRPP) in a Puna Pukapuka Pikitia (PPP). Whānau explored RRPP and suggested how they could bring Reo Rangatira from RRPP into their homes to support language learning. Their suggestions aligned with Ellis’s principles of effective language teaching (Ellis, 2010) including the development of formulaic phrases, following the ways in which tamariki naturally learn language, encouraging opportunities for tamariki to speak and listen, as well as having interactions linked to RRPP.

text: Reo Rua Pukapuka Pikitia: Whānau drawing on their community cultural wealth to create strategies for developing Te Reo Rangatira The use of Te Reo Māori in Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand is mandated in the ECE curriculum. Research shows that picturebooks are powerful tools in language learning, but there is a lack of research concerning the use of bilingual picturebooks by whānau to support Māori language learning in a New Zealand kindergarten. This research presents findings from a 4-week programme in which five whānau members were introduced to several types of dual language picturebooks (Reo Rua Pukapuka Pikitia, RRPP) in a Puna Pukapuka Pikitia (PPP). Whānau explored RRPP and suggested how they could bring Reo Rangatira from RRPP into their homes to support language learning. Their suggestions aligned with Ellis’s principles of effective language teaching (Ellis, 2010) including the development of formulaic phrases, following the ways in which tamariki naturally learn language, encouraging opportunities for tamariki to speak and listen, as well as having interactions linked to RRPP.

year: 2023