Maori Language Revitalization

1796 Words8 Pages
Era Saraci AY252 Professor Halvorson Final Paper Assignment He aha te mea nui o te ao? Ko reira te reo! Te reo! Te reo! What is the most important thing in the world? It is the language! The language! The language! - Maori Proverb Maori Language Revitalization Introduction Maori is the indigenous language of New Zealand. Like all languages, it is in some respects unique, and in others quite typical. It is a member of one of the largest language families in the world, and was brought to New Zealand through Polynesian voyages back in the 1200s. The Maori population was isolated for centuries, which facilitated the protection and development of their culture. The population was organized in tribes, sub-tribes, divided by mountains and rivers, and all shared a common culture – heritage -- still kept alive today. Like many other minority languages, Maori has suffered through contact and competition with the language of the colonizers. Its current situation and the issues involved in attempts to ensure its survival and revitalization thus show similarities with those affecting many other languages. The…show more content…
This paper will provide a background on the Maori history and language, examine the “Te Kohanga Reo” -- Language
Show More
Related

  • The Importance Of Indigenous Language

    1914 Words  | 8 Pages

    disappearance of indigenous languages has been becoming one of the most serious problems in the world. According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), more than 2000 languages in the world have 1000 speakers or less, and it is estimated that half of the world’s 7000 official languages will become extinct by the end of the 21st century (Ludovica 2015). This is mainly because most indigenous languages are nowadays replaced by the dominant languages and they are not properly

    Read More

More about Maori Language Revitalization

Open Document