|
 Te Reo Maori - The Maori Language |
03 Oct 08 |
|
 |
New Zealand.com |
Te Reo Māori the Māori Language
The visitor to New Zealand will become immediately aware of the Māori language as the vast majority of place names are of Māori origin. At first, visitors may be puzzled by the seemingly impossible- to-pronounce names. In fact, Māori has a logical structure, and, unlike English, has very consistent rules of pronunciation.
How Do You Say Onehunga, Whangamomona, Kahikatea, and Nguru?
Māori consists of five vowel sounds: a e i o u (a as in car, e as in egg, i like the ee in tee, o as in four, u like an o in to). There are eight consonants in Māori similar to those in English h, k, m, n, p, r, t, and w. There are also two different consonants wh and ng. Many Māori pronounce the wh sound similar to our f. The ng is similar to our own ng sound in a word like sing, except that in Māori, words can start with ng.
Kia ora = Gidday!
An attempt by a visitor to use Māori greetings will almost certainly elicit a delighted response from both Māori and Pakeha (European) New Zealanders.
Kia ora Hello
Kia ora tatou Hello everyone
Tena koe Greetings to you (said to one person)
Tena koutou Greeting to you all
Haere mai Welcome
Nau mai Welcome
Kei te pehea koe? Hows it going?
Kei te pai Good
Tino pai Really good
Haere ra Farewell
Ka kite ano Until I see you again (Bye)
Hei konei ra See you later
Māori Protocol
Being a tribal Polynesian people, Māori have a unique protocol. The best place to observe it is on a marae (Māori meeting grounds). Many tourist operators in New Zealand organise visits to marae.
Welcome to the Powhiri
A powhiri (formal welcome) at a marae begins with wero (challenge) A warrior from the tangata whenua (hosts) will challenge the manuhiri (guests). He may carry a spear (taiaha) then lay down a token (often a small branch) that the manuhiri will pick up to show they come in peace. Some kuia (women) from the tangata whenua (hosts) will perform a karanga (call/chant) to the manuhiri. Women from the manuhiri will then respond as they move onto the marae in front of their men.
Whaikorero Speeches of Welcome
Once inside the wharenui (meeting house) on the marae, mihimihi (greetings) and whaikorero (speeches) are made. To reinforce the good wishes of the speeches, waiata (songs) may be sung. It is usual for the manuhiri then present a koha (gift) to the tangata whenua after greeting the hosts with a hongi the ceremonial touching of noses. After the powhiri, kai (food) may be shared.
SourceNew Zealand.com
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
© 2008, 2009 Tauranga.co.nz Limited. All Rights Reserved.
