Language

The Maori language is a Polynesian dialect. It was first given a written form in the early 19th century by missionaries and British linguists. In the latter part of the 19th century, Maori were forced to adopt the English language in schools, and it wasn't until the 1960s that a strong Maori resurgence began. The Maori Language Act of 1987 really changed things. It made Maori an official New Zealand language along with English, and a Maori Language Commission was set up to create authentic Maori names for government departments and major organizations. Today, there are Maori radio stations and television channels, and Maori is taught in all levels of the education system.

When you visit New Zealand, you will be surrounded by things Maori: Words, place names, and many tourist ventures are all indications of this revitalized culture. No one expects you to be able to pronounce many Maori names -- it's hard enough for those who have spent all their lives here -- but the following tips might make it easier for you. Some Maori words are both singular and plural and require no s. Maori, Pakeha, and kea are all good examples (like the English words deer and fish). There are only 15 letters in the Maori alphabet: A, E, H, I, K, M, N, O, P, R, T, U, W, NG, and WH, and every syllable in Maori ends in a vowel. The vowel sounds are of great importance and when two vowels come together, each is given its proper sound. WH is usually pronounced as an F.

Maori for Beginners

Here's a list of the most commonly used prefixes and suffixes for place names:

Ao -- Cloud

Ika -- Fish

Nui -- Big, or plenty of

Roto -- Lake

Rua -- Cave, or hollow, or two (Rotorua's two lakes)

Tahi -- One, single

Te -- The

Wai -- Water

Whanga -- Bay, inlet, or stretch of water

These are other frequently used words:

Ariki -- Chief or priest

Atua -- Supernatural being, such as a god or demon

Haka -- Dance (war, funeral, and so on)

Hangi -- An oven made by filling a hole with heated stones, and the feast roasted in it

Karakia -- Prayer or spell

Kaumatua -- Elder

Kereru -- Wood pigeon

Kumara -- Sweet potato

Mana -- Authority, prestige, psychic force

Marae -- Courtyard, village common

Mere -- War club made of greenstone (jade)

Pa -- Stockade or fortified place

Pakeha -- Caucasian person; primarily used to refer to those of European descent

Poi -- Bulrush ball with string attached, twirled in action song

Tangi -- Funeral mourning or lamentation

Taonga -- Treasure

Tapu -- Under religious or superstitious restriction (taboo)

Tiki -- Human image, sometimes carved of greenstone

Whare -- House

A Word on Cultural Protocol -- If you want to visit a Maori marae, always make sure you ask permission first. You must never eat, chew gum, or take food onto the premises. Some will also request that you take off your shoes, and some may have particular rules about visits by women during certain ceremonies. In short, behavior on the marae is governed by strict protocol. Please do not offend.