In the lush landscapes of New Zealand (Māori: aotearoa), the Māori language (also known as te reo) has historical and cultural significance. As one of the official languages of New Zealand, Māori occupies an important place in New Zealand's cultural genealogy. It belongs to the East Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family, connecting the Maori people to their ancestral homeland across the vast Pacific Ocean.
The history of the Māori language began with Polynesian settlers who came to New Zealand about 700 years ago. The language has a rich oral tradition and is a vehicle for legends, songs, and history that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, with the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century, English began to dominate and the use of Māori began to decline. In the 20th century, the Maori language was gradually eroded, and there were fears that it might die out. Fortunately, in recent decades, a revival of the Māori language has been carried out across New Zealand, with a focus on the preservation and promotion of the Māori language.
There are many words in Māori that embody the essence of Māori culture and worldview. 'whānau' means family, encompassing a wider network of communities and societies than immediate family members, reflecting the collectivist spirit of Māori society. The word "mana" denotes authority, respect, and spiritual strength, and is central to understanding social relations and cultural practices. "kaitiakitanga" means guardianship or stewardship and is essential to express the Māori's relationship with the environment and their role in protecting it.
The Māori language is known for its distinctive features. It has a relatively small voice library with only 15 unique notes, so the pronunciation is clear and rhythmic. Another feature of the Māori language is its poly-compounding, which uses a combination of roots and affixes to form words and sentences. Māori also uses polyphony to emphasize and denote plural or intensity. In addition, the core of Māori is colloquial, with a strong emphasis on correct pronunciation and the use of proverbs and idioms. The Māori language is inextricably linked to New Zealand's artistic and cultural expressions. It plays a central role in the traditional performing arts of the Maori people, such as the haka war dance (a ritual dance) and the waiata (a traditional song). These art forms are more than just performances, they are living narratives that convey historical events, genealogies, and cultural values. The Māori language has also infiltrated contemporary New Zealand**, cinema and literature, becoming a powerful medium for expressing Māori identity and perspectives.
The revival of the Māori language has been a key focus in New Zealand, which has implemented a variety of strategies and initiatives. Educational programmes such as Kōhanga Reo (Language Nest) and Kura Kaupapa Māori (Māori Language Teaching School) have played a key role in developing the language of Māori youth. In addition, educational programmes and immersion programmes are becoming increasingly popular, which caters to both Maori and non-Maori learners. The Maori language**, including television, radio and digital platforms, has also contributed to its popularity and popularity. Support and social recognition have helped to raise the status of the Māori language and normalise it in everyday life in New Zealand.
Read the previous "Book of Languages" series: "Books of Languages" series No. 26 - Japanese "Books of Languages" series No. 25 Hawaiian.