This week is Maori Language Week in New Zealand. Maori is the name of a race of people and a language in New Zealand. The Maori language is seen to be dying out somewhat here, hence the Maori Language Week. To be honest, I don't know a lot of Maori words but while doing a little research I found this...Longest place name: Taumata-whakatangihanga-kōauau-a-Tamatea-pōkai-whenua-ki-tāna-tahu (Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as landeater, played his flute to his loved one). Love it!
Anyway, in an effort to learn some more Maori and share with you all too, I've listed a few greetings down below. If you'd like to learn the correct pronounciation or more Maori words you can follow this link...100 Maori words
E noho rā Goodbye (from a person leaving)
E haere rā Goodbye (from a person staying)
Haere mai Welcome!, Come!
Hei konā rā Goodbye (less formal)
Kia ora Hi!, G'day! (general informal greeting)
Mōrena (Good) morning!
Nau mai Welcome! Come!
Tēnā koe formal greeting to one person
Tēnā kōrua formal greeting to two people
Tēnā koutou formal greeting to many people
Tēnā tātou katoa formal inclusive greeting to everybody present, including oneself
Hei konā rā
Love KB
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Cool x
ReplyDeleteCool. That place name is wild.
ReplyDeleteI love languages and cultures, but this is new to me. I must look into it. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAlice - I know, it's a wonderful description.
ReplyDeleteJJ - It's nice to know I can teach you something, you clever man.
The Maori Alphabet
ReplyDeleteACC-DPB-KFC-TAB-WINZ
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