Celebrate: Sunday 1 – Saturday 7 October

This year’s theme for Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week is Fakatumau kae fakaakoi tau ‘gana ke mautu a iloga o ‘ta tuā

Fakatumau kae fakaakoi tau ‘gana ke mautu a iloga o ‘ta tuā means 'preserve and embrace your language to safeguard our heritage identities'.

The 2023 theme connected to the overall Pacific Language Weeks theme of ‘sustainability’ and the launch of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous languages. The theme reflected the importance of nurturing the Tuvaluan language in a sustainable manner.

The annual commemorations of  Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu provide a reminder to all who identify as Tuvaluan to ‘preserve’, ‘embrace’ and ‘safeguard’ their language.

‘Preserving’ the Tuvalu language is a call to action to maintain the vibrant language. To ‘embrace’ Tuvalu language is to cherish its value. To ‘safeguard’ the language means that it is protected to ensure it can be used for generations. The Tuvalu ‘heritage identities’ are about the important ancestral heirlooms, and culture, which can be passed on through the language. 

Stay connected online by visiting the official NZ Tuvalu Language Week Facebook page.