Maori Language
Maori language
The Maori culture is integrated into the Kiwi way of life. Currently the culture is going through a renaissance period to restore and revitalise certain aspects, which once faced danger of being lost. Until recent years, Maori as a living language was under threat. In 1996, only 27 percent of urban Maori could converse in te reo (Maori language), with Maori aged 20-24 the least likely to be able to have conversations in Maori (21 percent). Only 33 percent of rural Maori could converse in te reo, with Maori aged sixty and over the most likely to be able to speak te reo (63 percent). However, older Maori (kaumatua) are dying out at a rate of around 1300 a year, making the matter of revitalisation of language extremely important. Since 1996, many initiatives have been put in place to save and strengthen the Maori language. In 1998 just over 40 percent of all Maori children were enrolled in kohanga reo (Maori-speaking pre-school). The National Maori Language Survey in 1995 was an important step in revitalising the Maori language. The nationwide survey combined the responses of 2441 Maori adults and the findings were used to help develop a Maori language plan and to monitor the health of the language.
Guide to pronouncing common Maori words
Aotearoa (OW-TEH-AH-ROW-AH) Land of the Long White Cloud. Maori name given to New Zealand
Haere mai (HIGH-RE-MY) Welcome
Haka (HA-CAH) Fierce war dance
Hangi (HUNG-EE) Traditional earth oven
Hapu (HAR-POO) Sub-tribe
Hongi (HONG-EE) Pressing of the noses (as a greeting)
Hui (WHO-EE) Meeting or gathering of people
Iwi (EE-WEE) Tribe
Kai (KY) (as in sky) Food
Kaumatua (COE-MAH-TWO-AH) Elders
Kaitiakitanga (KY-TEE-A-KEY-TAH-NGA) Guardianship
Kia ora (KEY-AH-OR-RAH) Hello
Korowai (COR-RO-WHY) Decorative cloak
Manaakitanga (MAH-NAAH-KEY-TAH-NGA) Caring and sharing
Manuhiri (MAH-NU-HIH-REE) Visitors
Marae (MA-RYE) Meeting house
Papatuanuku (PAH-PAH-TWO-AH-NU-COO) Mythological Earth Mother
Poi (POY) (as in toy) soft balls on lengths of string used in performance
Pounamu (POE-NAH-MOO) Type of greenstone or jade
Poupou (POE-POE) Carved posts of the meeting house representing ancestors
Powhiri (POH-FIRI) Welcoming ceremony
Ranginui (RAH-NGEE-NU-EE) Mythological Sky Father
Tangaroa (TAH-NGA-ROW-AH) God of the sea
Tangata whenua (TAH-NGA-TA-FEN-OOWA) People of the land
Te reo Maori (TEY-RAY-OR-MAR-OH-REE) The Maori language
Waka (WOK-AH) Canoe
Waka taua (WOK-AH-TOW-AH) War canoe
Wero (WEH-ROR) Challenge
Whaikorero (FAI-COR-REH-ROH) Speech making/oratory
Whakapapa (FAH-CAH-PAH-PAH) Genealogies
Whanau (FAR-NO) Family
Whänautanga (FAR-NO-TAH-NGAR) Kinship ties
Wharenui (FAR-REH-NU-EE) Carved meeting house
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