IV - Te Reo Māori
Te Reo Māori, often shortened to Māori, is an official New Zealand Eastern Polynesian language spoken by the Māori people. Under the Māori Language Act of 1987, it was recognized as an official language of New Zealand, outlining the existing efforts in revitalization. Due to the efforts of settlers, the language of Māori faced a sharp decline in native speakers up until recently; the efforts of many organizations and individuals, such as Keoni Mahelona and Peter-Lucas Jones, have continuously aided the growth of the native speakers and resources. The culture, customs, and language of Māori people can teach us a lot; the story of Te Reo Māori is one that hopefully can be replicated across other endangered languages as well.
Geography
New Zealand is home to thousands of Māori speakers. Between the two large islands, about 186,000 of citizens could hold an everyday conversation in Māori. New Zealand is a dynamic ecosystem of cultures, landscapes, and cities; it is filled with incredible natural sites such as the Mitre Peak. Among the many cities and towns, Māori speakers recognize the importance of preserving their cultures; they are proud to recognize and remember the same ancestors who have passed down the Māori language during tumultuous times.
History
Māori history is a rich story of failures and success, with a common theme of resilience and growth. In the 14th century, Polynesian voyagers embarked on a journey from their homeland of Hawaiki to Aotearoa, present-day New Zealand. Over centuries, Māori evolved and adapted; despite the challenges posed by colonization and cultural shifts, the Māori language persevered. After revitalization efforts began to grow popular, Māori’s linguistic and cultural diversity continues to connect its speakers.
Language
Māori belongs to the Eastern Polynesian language group within the Tahitic subgroup. It comprises of 15 letters, including 5 vowels. Interestingly, variations in dialects exist, notably between Southern Island Māori and the standard form; Southern Island Māori incorporates the letters 'L' and 'G' in its linguistic alphabet, diverging from the standard version. These subtle differences add layers to the linguistic diversity of Māori, reflecting the dynamic evolution and adaptation of the language across different regions and cultures
