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Te ‘Gana Tuvalu
Talofa!
Vaiaso o te 'Gana Tuvalu | Tuvalu Language Week takes place from Sunday 25 September to Saturday 1 October. The overarching theme for the 2022 Pacific Language Weeks is sustainability.
Celebrate language week! Raise the mana of speakers of Te Gana Tuvalu, boost the advantages of bilingualism, and build an inclusive culturally responsive environment.
Find and acknowledge the experts in your school and community who can help your school celebrate Te Gana Tuvalu Language Week.
Te ‘Gana Tuvalu and sport
Te ano

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Te ano is the national game of Tuvalu, played by people of all ages and genders.
The "ano" is a round, woven ball. Te ano, the game, is similar to volleyball but uses two balls (ano) at once.
- The rules of te ano – Te Papa’s Pacific Cultures Curator Rachel Yates explains the game.
- Topend Sports – Read a brief explanation of te ano.
Language resources
Tuvalu Language Week
NZC Online provides curriculum connections and ideas about how you, your class, and your school can participate in this language week.
Resources for Pacific Language Weeks 2022
Downloadable resources from the Ministry of for Pacific Peoples
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Pacific Language Weeks 2022_A3 poster (PDF, 177 kB)
Pacific Language cards
These cards are tailored to non-speakers of the language as a good starting point. Included is: a pronunciation guide, the alphabet, everyday phrases, a short prayer, and a hymn.
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Te Gana Tuvalu Language Cards (PDF, 182 kB)
Let’s learn colours: Tauloto fakatasi tātou i lanu
A resource for students of all ages created that Lift Education created for use in schools. Each resource teaches students several new words.
First, students hear how each word sounds. After that, they learn how to say it themselves. Finally, they practice their new words with a few simple exercises.
Tuvalu language week: Tuvalu children’s books a valuable resource
A collection of eight myths and legends from Tuvalu islands in a series of bilingual books, released in 2021 for Tuvalu language week.
The books are available at local libraries and schools or by emailing the Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust at admin@tuvalucommunity.org.
Research
Teresa Thomson, Principal KingsGate School Pukekohe presents finding from her study.
The purpose her study was to add to an existing high-quality ESOL programme. She investigated whether cultural elements specific to students from Kiribati and Tuvalu had an impact on students’ ability to learn.
Immigration story

Tuvaluan Migration Story
Tangialiki Haulangi tells her migration story from Nauru to New Zealand on 20 December 1989. She talks about encouraging her children to get a good education, shares how she would like to be remembered and gives thanks to God.
Libraries and museums

Vaiaso o te ‘Gana Tuvalu - Tuvalu Language Week
See what's on offer at Christchurch Libraries. Explore a selection of Tuvalu resources that cover language, culture and climate - in both Tuvalu and English.

Tuvalu language activity book | ‘Gana Tuvalu tusi galue
Activity book, suitable for ages five to ten, that explores the language, islands, and culture of Tuvalu.
Features crosswords, colouring-in pages, word searches, and a game. Visit the site to download a PDF of the book.