Maori language
Sir, — "As a full-blooded pakeha” John J. Forster (August 24) “resents being referred to as a European.” He is entitled to do so; but I must say I prefer “European.” The Maoris use a Maori word to describe themselves, and I like to use a word of my own first language, the language of my ancestors, to describe myself.
The word “Europe,” originally from the Greek, is common to most of the languages of Europe; it and “European” are words rich in associations and race-memories for all us white folks. Even though the theory is exploded that “pakeha” is a corruption of an unpleasant (and all too common) English expression, and although some of the other theories of the word’s origin make it quite respectable, I still object to it; just as, presumably, Maoris would object to being called “natives” or “aborigines.” Why not true equality? — Yours, etc., D. J. ROUND. August 24, 1979.
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Bibliographic details
Press, 28 August 1979, Page 16
Word Count
156Maori language Press, 28 August 1979, Page 16
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