Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 11:20:36 +1300 (NZDT)
From: hana.o-regan-AT-stonebow.otago.ac.nz (Hana  O-Regan)
Subject: Call for papers: anthology


Kia ora

I have received an e-mail from a friend informing me bout the proposed
anthology on second language aquisition.  I would be very interested in
submitting an autobiographical text on this topic [if papers are still
being called for?]  I have not started writing yet and would therefore like
to know if it is still possible to do so, and if so when the deadline might
be.

Background: I am of Ngai Tahu [a South Island Maori tribe] and Pakeha
[European New Zealander] descent.  One of five children, I was the only one
to attend Maori Boarding school in Auckland where I started my formal
learning of the Maori language.  I have always struggled with other peoples
perception of my identity because of my fair complexion and my 'blood
quantum' [which is seen in New Zealand to be the only legitimate basis for
ones identity], but my love for my Ngai Tahu culture and language has been
my support and I now teach in the total immersion wananga [programme] of
Ngai Tahu, and am a lecturer in Maori at the University of Otago, Dunedin.
I am currently writing my thesis on the factors influencing Ngai Tahu
identity, of which a major component is the humiliation my people feel at
not being able to speak our own language.

I would like the opportunity to write about my experiences on a personal
level and in a less academic framework.

I look forward to your reply

Nahaku na
Hana O'Regan

Maori Studies Department
University of Otago
P.O.Box 56
Dunedin
New Zealand
tel: 64-3 4798964
fax: 64-3 4798525