scholarly journals Kia kaua te reo e rite ki te moa, ka ngaro: Do not let the language suffer the same fate as the moa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Barrett-Walker ◽  
Michael J. Plank ◽  
Rachael Ka’ai-Mahuta ◽  
Daniel Hikuroa ◽  
Alex James

AbstractMore than a third of the world’s languages are currently classified as endangered and more than half are expected to go extinct by 2100. Strategies aimed at revitalising endangered languages have been implemented in numerous countries, with varying degrees of success. Here, we develop a new model regarding language transmission by dividing the population into defined proficiency categories and dynamically quantifying transition rates between categories. The model can predict changes in proficiency levels over time and, ultimately, whether a given endangered language is on a long-term trajectory towards extinction or recovery. We calibrate the model using data from Wales and show that the model predicts that the Welsh language will thrive in the long term. We then apply the model to te reo Māori, the Indigenous language of New Zealand, as a case study. Initial conditions for this model are estimated using New Zealand census data. We modify the model to describe a country, such as New Zealand, where the endangered language is associated with a particular subpopulation representing the Indigenous People. We conclude that, with current learning rates, te reo Māori is on a pathway towards extinction, but identify strategies that could help restore it to an upward trajectory.

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (162) ◽  
pp. 20190526
Author(s):  
Tessa Barrett-Walker ◽  
Michael J. Plank ◽  
Rachael Ka'ai-Mahuta ◽  
Daniel Hikuroa ◽  
Alex James

More than a third of the world's languages are currently classified as endangered and more than half are expected to go extinct by 2100. Strategies aimed at revitalizing endangered languages have been implemented in numerous countries, with varying degrees of success. Here, we develop a new model regarding language transmission by dividing the population into defined proficiency categories and dynamically quantifying transition rates between categories. The model can predict changes in proficiency levels over time and, ultimately, whether a given endangered language is on a long-term trajectory towards extinction or recovery. We calibrate the model using data from Wales and show that the model predicts that the Welsh language will thrive in the long term. We then apply the model to te reo Māori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, as a case study. Initial conditions for this model are estimated using New Zealand census data. We modify the model to describe a country, such as New Zealand, where the endangered language is associated with a particular subpopulation representing the indigenous people. We conclude that, with current learning rates, te reo Māori is on a pathway towards extinction, but identify strategies that could help restore it to an upward trajectory.


Author(s):  
Jacobus Daniel van der Walt ◽  
Eric Scheepbouwer ◽  
Bryan Pidwerbesky ◽  
Brian Guo ◽  
Max Ferguson ◽  
...  

With the advancement of digital technology, the collection of pavement performance data has become commonplace. The improvement of tools to extract useful information from pavement databases has become a priority to justify expenditures. This paper presents a case study of PaveMD, a tool that integrates multi-dimensional data structures with a data-driven fuzzy approach to identify good performing pavement sections. Combining this tool with an innovative paradigm where the focus is on repeating success can bring additional value to existing pavement databases. The case study shows that PaveMD can identify pavement sections that are performing well by comparing performance measures for the New Zealand context. In this paper, PaveMD's development is described, and its implementation is showcased using data from the New Zealand Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. It is recommended that this approach be further developed and extended to other infrastructure databases internationally.


Author(s):  
Xavier Franch-Auladell ◽  
Mateu Morillas-Torné ◽  
Jordi Martí-Henneberg

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a methodology for quantifying the territorial impact on population distribution of the railway. The central hypothesis is that access to railway services provides the best-connected areas with a long-term comparative advantage over others that are less accessible. Carrying out a historical analysis and providing comparable data at the municipal level allows us to determine the extent to which the railway has fostered the concentration of population within its immediate surroundings. The case study presented here is that of Spain between 1900 and 2001, but the same methodology could equally be applied to any other country for which the required data are available. In this case, key data included a Geographic Information System with information about both the development of the railway network and census data relating to total population at the municipal level. The results obtained suggest the relevance of this methodology, which makes it possible to identify the periods and areas in which this influence was most significant.


2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne M. Hoare ◽  
Colin F. J. O’Donnell ◽  
Elaine F. Wright

Indicator species approaches are widely used in conservation as a shortcut to measuring attributes of species and ecosystems. A variety of indicator species concepts are in use and are applicable to a range of situations. Indicator species are increasingly being used in environmental reporting to evaluate trends in environmental attributes quantitatively. We use the most recent State of the Environment report from New Zealand as a case study to evaluate: (1) how indicator species concepts are being applied to environmental reporting and (2) the selection of individual species as indicators. At present indicator species used in environmental reporting in New Zealand reflect biases in national monitoring data towards forest-dwelling, terrestrial vertebrates that are vulnerable to predation by introduced mammals. Scientific literature generally supports links between selected taxa and the aspect of ecosystem health they are purported to indicate, but their roles as long-term indicators of environmental health have yet to be evaluated. A primary goal of State of the Environment reporting is to set a benchmark against which environmental outcomes can be monitored over time; thus it is recognized that taxa reported should represent a broader range of environmental attributes. However, selection of taxa for environmental reporting is severely constrained by limited national species monitoring data. A strategic approach to national measurement, storage and analysis of long-term monitoring data is required to support selection of representative species for environmental reporting. We support current initiatives to select taxa for future measurement and reporting in an objective, transparent manner and recommend that they encompass representation of: (1) taxonomic diversity, (2) ecosystem types, (3) key environmental pressures and (4) threat status.


2018 ◽  
Vol 96 ◽  
pp. 34-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Rueda-Ayala ◽  
Hella Ellen Ahrends ◽  
Stefan Siebert ◽  
Thomas Gaiser ◽  
Hubert Hüging ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 177
Author(s):  
Yuliana Puspitasari ◽  
Rahmat Rais ◽  
Kiswoyo Kiswoyo

This study attempts to find out how the planning process method peers, the implementation of a method of guidance peer and to know the influence of a method of guidance peer against student learning achievements. The kind of this research is the qualitative study with the approach of a case study using data of the information based on discoveries in the field. The population research is students grade 5 SDN Kembangarum 4 sub-district of  mranggen, district demak. The Sample taken is 4 the students who were a tutor and 4 students in the guide, with using a technique descriptive analysis phenomenology. Laboratory data obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation. Can be concluded the application of a method of a tutorage can increase student learning achievements grade 5 a student average score the initial conditions 59,42 increased to 78,19 afterward applied a method of a tutorage. That planning the application of a method of a tutorage teacher formerly recognize the characteristics of students so teachers choose to apply the methods of a tutorage. In the implementation of the teachers give instructions to students before applies the methods of a tutor. Students who were deemed was chosen as a tutor.. Based on the result of this research advice to report is the application of a method of a tutorage can last more effective


2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan O'Rourke

Between 2005–2011, the New Zealand Tertiary Education Consortium (NZTEC) was contracted to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) in the Sultanate of Oman. This long-term, long-distance off-shore education contract committed four New Zealand universities to providing degrees in four discipline areas (as well as English language support) within the Omani Colleges of Applied Science. As part of this process, AUT University’s Bachelor of Communication Studies was redeveloped for delivery in Oman. This case study will focus on the Journalism major and in particular the nature of the courses within this major, the difficulties encountered in re-developing them and the challenge of delivering them under these particular circumstances in this particular time frame. The wider picture of the type of journalism practised in Oman; what is expected of—or indeed possible for― journalists in that society; and journalism as a force for democracy in Arab countries will also be briefly discussed.


Author(s):  
Ann Boonzaier ◽  
Rob Heyes

This research provides a useful insight into the occupational evolution of the New Zealand labour market. Our presentation looks at three different areas and the research paper is divided accordingly. The paper begins with an analysis of the conceptual basis of occupational classifications used in New Zealand. This is done because the classification system forms the basis of the quality and amount of occupational employment information that can be used for historical trends. The NZSC099 is a skills-based classification system therefore the paper examines the strengths and limitations of the way that the NZSC099 uses skills information. The paper then follows with an explanation of how the research team constructed a time series of occupational employment using data from the 1991, 1996 and 2001 Census of Population and Dwellings. The paper concludes with some initial results from an analysis of trends in the occupational structure of the New Zealand labour market between 1991 and 2001 using this Census data. This section comprises key explanatory figures and charts of longitudinal trends.


2010 ◽  
Vol 278 (1711) ◽  
pp. 1457-1466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura A. Spence ◽  
Joshua V. Ross ◽  
Susan K. Wiser ◽  
Robert B. Allen ◽  
David A. Coomes

We investigate the spread of an exotic herb, Hieracium lepidulum , into a New Zealand Nothofagus forest with the aim of understanding how stand-development of tree populations, propagule pressure and invader persistence, affect invasion across the landscape and within communities. Using data repeatedly collected over 35 years, from 250 locations, we parametrize continuous-time Markov chain models and use these models to examine future projections of the invasion under a range of hypothetical scenarios. We found that the probability of invasion into a stand was relatively high following canopy disturbance and that local abundance of Hieracium was promoted by minor disturbances. However, model predictions extrapolated 45 years into the future show that neither the rate of landscape-level invasion, nor local population growth of Hieracium , was affected much by changing the frequency of canopy disturbance events. Instead, invasion levels were strongly affected by the ability of Hieracium to persist in the understorey following forest canopy closure, and by propagule supply from streams, forest edges and plants already established within the stand. Our results show that disturbance frequency has surprisingly little influence on the long-term trajectory of invasion, while invader persistence strongly determines invasion patterns.


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