Do people in new zealand speak english
Yes, English is the primary language spoken in New Zealand. It is the most widely spoken language in the country and is used as the primary language for government, education, business, and daily life.
According to the 2018 New Zealand Census, 95.2% of the population reported speaking English as their main language. In addition, many New Zealanders also speak other languages, including:
- Māori: The indigenous language of New Zealand, spoken by around 15% of the population.
- Pacific languages: Many Pacific Islanders have settled in New Zealand, and their languages are also widely spoken, including Samoan, Tongan, and Cook Islands Māori.
- Other languages: New Zealand is a multicultural society, and many people speak other languages, including Chinese, Indian, Korean, and French, among others.
New Zealanders often use a unique blend of English and Māori words and phrases, known as "Kiwibliss" or "New Zealand English". This can include words like "kia ora" (hello), "whānau" (family), and "tiki tiki" (goodbye).
It's worth noting that while English is the primary language spoken in New Zealand, many New Zealanders also speak with a distinct accent and use colloquialisms that may be unfamiliar to non-native speakers. However, most New Zealanders are friendly and willing to help visitors communicate, and many tourist attractions and services offer English language support.