Preserving Heritage: Aunty Glo Champions Pijin Language in Wellington
In a heartwarming initiative that highlights the richness of cultural heritage, Glorious Marie Oxenham—affectionately known as ‘Aunty Glo’—is actively working to ensure the future generation of the Solomon Islands community in Wellington can connect with their roots through the Pijin language. With over four decades of experience living in New Zealand, Oxenham has dedicated herself to promoting Melanesian culture and language, recently taking a robust role in organizing Pijin language classes for young learners.
As the Pacific Language Week series draws to a close, focusing this week on Solomon Islands Pijin, the need for language preservation has never been more pressing. Many children of Solomon Islander parents, born in New Zealand, often miss out on learning their ancestral languages. “The children may hear their parents speak Pijin, but they often can’t communicate in it themselves,” Oxenham shared in an interview with Africazine.
To combat this trend, the Wellington Solomon Islands Community has initiated language classes tailored for their youngest members—lovingly referred to as “oketa pikinini.” “The children are all very eager to learn,” said Oxenham, emphasizing the importance of teaching children the languages of their heritage. She proudly noted that the youngest student she teaches is just four years old and is already singing Pijin songs at home.
According to the Solomon Islands Trade, Investment and Culture Office, the nation boasts 74 local languages, with 70 actively spoken. This linguistic diversity is reflective of the rich tapestry of cultures within the islands, where intermarriages among different provinces allow for multilingualism, a point Oxenham is keen to highlight. “In the Solomon Islands, Pijin acts as the lingua franca, blending English with local dialects, much like Bislama in Vanuatu or Tok Pisin in Papua New Guinea,” she explained.
In a bid to deepen the cultural experience, Oxenham is set to hold weaving demonstrations this Saturday at the Pataka Museum in Porirua. Supported by local artist Selwyn Palmer Teho, the event will showcase Solomon Island artifacts that speak to the tradition and artistry of the islands. “I love weaving,” Oxenham remarked, “and I hope to weave all of my knowledge in my culture through language workshops for future generations.”
This multifaceted approach not only enriches the lives of children in Wellington but also strengthens community ties and preserves the precious legacy of Melanesian culture. By fostering an environment where language and tradition thrive, Aunty Glo is ensuring that the vibrancy of the Solomon Islands is not lost across the Pacific.
For those interested in cultural preservation and community engagement, Aunty Glo’s initiatives are a shining example of how language and tradition can be successfully interwoven for future generations.
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#SolomonIslands #NewZealand #Culture #Lifestyle #Education
