What is Our Culture? What is Our Language? Dialogue Towards the Maintenance of Indigenous Culture and Language in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Since the value of initial vernacular education has been recognised in the most recent education reform in Papua New Guinea (PNG), not only the Department of Education but also the local indigenous teachers and members of local non-government organisations (NGOs) have been trying to develop culturally more appropriate curricula and classroom practices in the nexus of Western education and indigenous education. Despite their efforts, however, traditional culture and language are often dominated by Western culture, especially through the globalisation of English. In this rather threatening situation, three local elementary school teachers in the Milne Bay Province are trying to determine what is their real culture and their real language that needs to be passed on to their children. They also are trying to devise better ways to maintain their culture and language with the assistance of an expatriate consultant. This paper portrays the experience of their dilemmas and frustrations, as well as their joys, throughout the process of innovation. This study thus offers positive insights that may inspire educators in other contexts to help various indigenous groups to maintain their culture and language.