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As a Pakeha New Zealand/European, I am committed to learning and speaking te reo Maori. What are my reasons for doing so?
As a Pakeha New Zealand/European, I am committed to learning and speaking te reo Maori. What are my reasons for doing so?
Te reo Maori is the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand. This makes it the respectful thing to do. It's an acknoweldgement that Maori have a unique and special place in our nation.
Te reo Maori is the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand. This makes it the respectful thing to do. It's an acknoweldgement that Maori have a unique and special place in our nation.
Learning te reo Maori enriches my relationship with Maori. It builds a bridge between my European and white Kiwi culture and the culture of the Maori people.
Learning te reo Maori enriches my relationship with Maori. It builds a bridge between my European and white Kiwi culture and the culture of the Maori people.
Being bilingual is normal for almost all nationalities and cultures in the world. Being mono-lingual is consider a handicap in most countries. English speaking countries appear to be the most monolingual and in Aotearoa/New Zealand we have a chance to address this disadvantage. In many countries it is normal to be fluent in three or four languages.
Being bilingual is normal for almost all nationalities and cultures in the world. Being mono-lingual is consider a handicap in most countries. English speaking countries appear to be the most monolingual and in Aotearoa/New Zealand we have a chance to address this disadvantage. In many countries it is normal to be fluent in three or four languages.
It's good for our brains to learn other languages - but how about starting with the language which is totally unique to this country!
It's good for our brains to learn other languages - but how about starting with the language which is totally unique to this country!
Learning te reo Maori makes me a better, more balanced person. Instead of being focussed as an individual on what's easiest for me, it makes me focus on what's important for others.
Learning te reo Maori makes me a better, more balanced person. Instead of being focussed as an individual on what's easiest for me, it makes me focus on what's important for others.
Te reo Maori is an incredibly beautiful language, and in comparison to many others, it's quite an easy language to learn.
Te reo Maori is an incredibly beautiful language, and in comparison to many others, it's quite an easy language to learn.
Te reo Maori is a Polynesian language and so it is closely related to Cook Is Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan, Nuiean, Tahitian to name the most important.
Te reo Maori is a Polynesian language and so it is closely related to Cook Is Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan, Nuiean, Tahitian to name the most important.
Learning te reo Maori means I can participate meaningfully in Maori protocol and tikanga, eg, karakia, powhiri, mihimihi. It means not being embarrassed by my ignorance of what is happening in these important cultural situations.
Learning te reo Maori means I can participate meaningfully in Maori protocol and tikanga, eg, karakia, powhiri, mihimihi. It means not being embarrassed by my ignorance of what is happening in these important cultural situations.
An increasing number of Pakeha and non-Maori are learning how to speak te reo. At Papakura High this year, we have more than 20 staff engaged in the Maori language programme Te Ara Reo, run by Te Wananga o Aotearoa. This is a great sign, and very exciting for our school. The media are becoming increasingly interest in stories about Pakeha learning te reo, including the reactions of other Pakeha.
An increasing number of Pakeha and non-Maori are learning how to speak te reo. At Papakura High this year, we have more than 20 staff engaged in the Maori language programme Te Ara Reo, run by Te Wananga o Aotearoa. This is a great sign, and very exciting for our school. The media are becoming increasingly interest in stories about Pakeha learning te reo, including the reactions of other Pakeha.
Pakeha passionate about te reo Maori is a great story which illustrates my point about learning te reo. I'm hoping the time will come when it's totally normal for all Kiwis, irrespective of whether they actually affiliate to an iwi as Maori or are non-Maori, will take up the challenge of learning our national language. Take a read of Duncan Garner's very personal journey related to te reo Maori as well.
Pakeha passionate about te reo Maori is a great story which illustrates my point about learning te reo. I'm hoping the time will come when it's totally normal for all Kiwis, irrespective of whether they actually affiliate to an iwi as Maori or are non-Maori, will take up the challenge of learning our national language. Take a read of Duncan Garner's very personal journey related to te reo Maori as well.
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