The Maori Language

Northern Advocate, 22 July 1939, Page 5 (Supplement)

The Maori Language

USEFUL REPUBLICATION Ngata’s Maori Grammar and Conversation will be republished next month by Whitcombe and Tombs. This valuable little book has been out of print for some dime, and copies are seldom procurable in secondhand shops. The Centennial celebrations next year should focus a wide interest on Ihe Maori race, and quite a number of people will extend their interest to the picturesque Maori language. Dr. Williams’ Maori dictionary costs 21/-, but the niiw edition of Ngata’s grammar will be sold at 3/-, and, a? it contains conversational tables and vocabulary it goes a long way towards an elementary acquaintance with the language, as one may say, introducing a Granger, and putting him on speaking terms. t

Apart from studying this book it is Inicresting and profitable simply to read, for two reasons. First it reveals the vivid character of the language, graphic pictures in words. Secondly, it disarms our fear, and uncomfortable strangeness in the presence of Maori names. We get an idea of how they should be spaced and pronounced, and wo realise if wo do not actually recognise, their vivid force and fitness. This is much better than the ignorant and stupid remark sometimes overheard—“V/hy don’t they use English names, instead of these ugly unpronounceable Maori words?” Ngata discloses 1 hat the maligned words are beautiful rather than ugly and their pronunciation quilc easy once you appreciate the few straightforward

guiding principles, which arc very simple compared with the bewildering complexity and unruly variations of English pronunciations. Any one cf us who undertakes to show visitors round next year should know as much cf the chief features of the Maori language as of Maori places and history, enough at least to save him from stumbling.