How English Language Changed the Maori Language?

On today's post we will be exploring the culture of a country which is yet to be explored, New Zealand. In the first place it is a fact that its multi-cultural society is a result of migration from many parts of the world, beginning over 1,000 years ago with the arrival of the Maori. The British began to colonise New Zealand from the mid-19th century. In general, New Zealanders today come from many ethnic backgrounds, including European, Pacific Island, Asian and African. Multi-cultural influences are very much part of our fashion, art and music.

Maori are known as 'tangata whenua' or 'people of the land'. In 2006, one in seven New Zealanders identified as Maori. A resurgence of Maori culture and language in recent times has resulted in a new sense of national identity based on the idea of biculturalism.  Because language is a tool that shapes every culture it is important that we identify these changes that resulted in a great influence of English over Maori language.

When European settlers first arrived in New Zealand, the Maori slowly decided to learn their foreign language: English. However, this choice caused the native language to be pushed into the minority category. The introduction of English to New Zealand can be seen as an example how any type of English in an established country can forever cause the native language to have to fight to survive. This paper will examine how the introduction of the English language forced a once prominent language to either adapt or slowly disappear.

However, the story of what happened to cause the language shift in English favor begins with the signing of the treaty. The early missionaries did not want to displace Maori people. In fact, did feel like intruders on an unspoiled part of nature. The Maoris and their language were held in high regard. Although Maori was replaced as the predominant language in New Zealand, there is no doubt that the language influenced the development of New Zealand English in some form. There are many words in NZE that have been copied in Maori as well as hundreds of words in Maori influenced by the English. Place names, many trees and birds have all been named in Maori. Also, basic Maori greeting and cultural terms have been known to be used in NZE, albeit sometimes anglicized.

In terms of English language influence on Maori, there is a research that current young Maori speakers have been influenced in terms of pronunciation, sentence structure/ grammar, and vocabulary. As a result, the English and Maori relationship has also transformed into a type dialect. This is called "Maori Accented English." This recently developed form of NZE has reflects the Maori influence on the language despite Maori not having an influence on NZE. Some of the characteristics include "syllable-timed instead of stressed-timed rhythm; much use of the particle eh?" It is also said that there is a softer voice quality all together.

Now try to see what you understood and answer the following questions about the text:

- What were the consequences of learning English for Maori people at the beginning?

- Why did colonisers decide not to displace Maori people after all?

- Can you give us some example of things that are named after Maori language in New Zealand?

- What is the name of the new dialect that springs from English and Maori?

What we can conclude with this is that both Maoris and Pakehas (non-native New Zealanders) share two cultures which coexist with each other with both respect and peace. Why don't you go and get them to know yourself now?