The history of the Maori language

      Being an oral communication, the Maori language evolved over hundreds of years.  In the beginning of the settlements of Europeans to New Zealand, they had to learn to speak the language if they wanted to trade with the Maori people, depending on them for many things.  When more settlers arrived, the need for a written way of communicating was more important.  Missionaries were the first to attempt to write down the Maori language, dating back to the early 1800s.  During this time, it was reported that Maori all over New Zealand taught each other to read and write using materials such as leaves, carved word and skins when no paper was accessible.    

   

      Since the settlers were making New Zealand a permanent home, their children and the Maori children were the most fluent speakers and writers of Maori.  They were able to communicate separate ways of life that would later intertwine.

 

The use of the Maori language

      Around the 1860s English became the dominant language and communities that existed were separated.  Many did not understand that the Maori’s language was one of their main ways of communicating with the world.   A majority of the Maori language was suppressed in schools so that the children would embrace with the greater population.   Several of the older Maori generation can still recall being punished for speaking their language. By the 1920’s there were few private schools that embraced the Maori language.  Numbers of families encouraged their children to learn English since they would have to use this in the workplace.  This resulted in many generations not embracing their Maori customs like their elders.

 

      During the 1970’s Maori leaders started to recognize that their language was diminishing.  Many groups congregated to try to come up with a way to strengthen the loss of their language. In 1975 this Maori language day transitioned into Maori language week.  Three years following the first bilingual school opened and the Maori-owned radio station went on air primarily using spoken Maori.  By the 1980s Maori language recovery programs started to flourish.

 

      Over the years Maori phrases and words were heard on television and appeared in newspapers all over New Zealand.  Efforts to preserve the usage of the Maori language took off around 1985. After many years of fighting the Maori language was made an official language under the Maori Language Act of 1987.  There are several institutions that are working to recover the original language that was once lost. 

 

How it is used in society today

      The Maori language is one of the three official languages of New Zealand, the others being English and New Zealand Sign Language.  The Maori Language Commission was started to promote the use of the Maori as a living language and as a means of communication.   One important initiative to establish and regenerate the Maori language was the start of the Maori television.  This network wants to play a role in revitalizing Maori language and culture and now has two channels.  One of these channels broadcasts 100% Maori language at all times.  In addition to this broadcast, shows aired on Maori TV may also be viewed online through the website as well.  Many Maori radio stations also broadcast in New Zealand and online. 

 

Hongi

This is a greeting that the Maori use.  It is done by two people pressing their noses and forehead together.  While holding the others hand, you are to look one straight in the eye, breathe, and repeat.  This allows each to give the most important aspects of life to the other, your breath of life.  It is the first thing you do when entering this life and it will be the last thing you do when you leave.  After this you become one with another and focused.    This is a way the Maori communicate with another on the importance of their presence.  It is a sacred motion to become one with another and give your breath of life.