N.Z.B.C. Maori

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31319, 15 March 1967, Page 12

N.Z.B.C. Maori

Sir, —I am a New Zealander, and proud of it; but I am not proud of the broadcasting authorities who have decided to reject the correct pronunciation of certain Maori place names. The incorrect pronunciation of such names locally for 25 years does not justify this retrograde step. Many such incorrect anglicised pronunciations are made in ignorance, or from force of habit, rather than apathy. Surely the N.Z.B.C. realises the extent of the corrective influence it has in its power. The N.Z.B.C. could do no better than follow the example of the 8.8. C., which spares no effort to ensure correct pronunciation at all times. I hope that the N.Z.B.C. will be compelled to reconsider its decision.—Yours, etc., HOPEFUL. March 14, 1967.

Sir, —Over a long period the pronunciation of a language inadvertently changes. Anyone who has studied the history of any language knows this. If the Maori race had been left untouched by the pakeha, no doubt there would be a number of changes in the pronunciation of their tongue. The rule of ending every word in a vowel might even have broken down. I cannot understand why people are complaining over this triviality. If an announcer says Paraparam, Tai Tap, or Lake Wakitip, we all know what he means. Let us be practical, and make changes in pronunciation that would I make the language easier.— Yours, etc., SOPHOCLES. I March 14, 1967.