The Maori Language: A Tale of Language Revival

TLDRNew Zealand is an English-speaking country, but Maori is its other official language. Maori is an Eastern Polynesian language closely related to Hawaiian. Although spoken by a small percentage of the population, there is a growing interest in reviving the Maori language.

Key insights

🗣️Maori is an official language of New Zealand, alongside English.

🌍Maori is an Eastern Polynesian language and is closely related to Hawaiian.

📈While spoken by a small percentage of the population, there is a growing interest in reviving the Maori language.

🏞️Maori was the predominant language in New Zealand before the arrival of English speakers.

🇳🇿Maori is an important part of New Zealand's cultural heritage and identity.

Q&A

How many people in New Zealand speak Maori?

According to the 2013 census, approximately 125,000 people speak Maori, which is about 2.1% of the ethnic Maori population and 3% of New Zealand's total population.

Is the Maori language in danger of extinction?

While Maori is spoken by a small percentage of the population, there is a growing interest in reviving and preserving the language. Efforts are being made to promote Maori language education and cultural revitalization.

Are there any similarities between Maori and other Polynesian languages?

Yes, Maori is closely related to other Polynesian languages, such as Hawaiian and Tahitian. They share similarities in vocabulary and linguistic structure.

Is Maori taught in schools in New Zealand?

Yes, Maori language education is offered in many schools in New Zealand, including both Maori immersion schools and mainstream schools.

What is the significance of the Maori language to New Zealand's cultural heritage?

The Maori language is an important part of New Zealand's cultural heritage and identity. It holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Maori people, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote its use.

Timestamped Summary

00:00New Zealand is an English-speaking country, but it has another official language: Maori.

00:43Maori was the predominant language in New Zealand before the arrival of English speakers.

02:09While spoken by a small percentage of the population, there is a growing interest in reviving the Maori language.

03:13Maori is closely related to other Polynesian languages, such as Hawaiian and Tahitian.

06:13Verbs in Maori are not conjugated for person, number, or tense.