Celebrating the power of Papua New Guinea language, culture and knowledge

Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Wik, Papua New Guinea Language Week 6-12 September, is a celebration of one of the world's most linguistically diverse nations.

This year's theme, “Lukautim, strongim na kirapim tokples na pasin blo tubuna" (Preserve, revitalise and promote our language and culture), highlights the importance of protecting language as a living expression of identity, heritage and belonging.

Papua New Guinea is home to more than 800 languages, representing a remarkable diversity of cultures, histories and ways of understanding the world.

Language is more than a tool for communication, carrying ancestral knowledge, traditional practices, oral histories and cultural values from one generation to the next.

At Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Papua New Guinean scholar, cultural practitioner and doctoral candidate Julia Mage'au Gray exemplifies the importance of ensuring Indigenous knowledge systems continue to flourish within contemporary settings.

Originally from Oaisaka (Inawi) in Mekeo, Papua New Guinea, Gray has embarked on her doctoral studies exploring Indigenous knowledge, embodied research methods and Pacific ways of knowing.

A professional teaching fellow in Pacific Studies, Gray's work spans movement, skin marking, photography and documentary filmmaking. Her practice is grounded in the belief that cultural knowledge is living, adaptive and embodied.

"My method is about using the body as a site of knowledge. It's about reconnecting and revitalising what has been disrupted, and finding ways to keep our old peoples' thinking alive."

Her words strongly reflect the spirit of Papua New Guinea Language Week, which emphasises not only the preservation of language but also the cultural practices and Indigenous knowledge that language carries.

Gray says Indigenous knowledge holders play an essential role in maintaining cultural continuity and ensuring Pacific knowledge systems remain visible and valued.

"There is more than one way to lead, learn and be. Leadership in an academic space doesn't look one way. My role is to be an example of how we can be true to our knowledge systems while working inside institutions that weren't built for us."

The Papua New Guinean diaspora numbers 1200 in Aotearoa, the week provides them the opportunity to celebrate Tok Pisin and their numerous languages while encouraging younger generations to embrace their linguistic and cultural heritage.

Gray's own academic journey demonstrates the growing presence and influence of Pacific scholars within higher education, helping reshape institutions by centring Indigenous ways of knowing and learning. Her research continues the exploration of how Pacific knowledge systems can thrive within academic settings while remaining accountable to communities and culture.

"My family, my ancestors and my supervisor have all been beside me on this journey. None of this happens alone."

Papua New Guinea Language Week celebrates not only words and language, but the collective responsibility of communities to carry their cultures forward.