English Maori Dictionary 1966 Edition

Te Ao Hou, September 1966, Page 61

English Maori Dictionary 1966 Edition by Bruce Biggs, M.A., Ph.D. A. H. & A. W. Reed, 15s reviewed by P. J. Ruha Dr Bruē Biggs is to be complimented on this English-Maori dictionary. It is evident that much research, time and effort have gone into the producing of this book and so it deserves high praise and admiration. The introduction is good and it covers most of the aspects of (1) Grammar (2) Orthography (3) Pronunciation. Some of Dr Biggs' grammar terms, however, could confuse the non-linguist. The orthography has been explained quite clearly but the fact that some of us prefer the use of the macron, makes me feel that this dictionary could perhaps have been produced in both forms. Dr Biggs points out in his opening sentence on pronunciation—‘that it is not possible to illustrate in writing the exact pronunciation of a language’—etc. The ae combination is difficult at any time to illustrate. Here the author has used igh as in high as an illustration. This to me would be more suited to the ai combination, than the ae. Some possibly unfamiliar comparisons of sounds are drawn, e.g. how many readers of this dictionary would know the B.B.C. pronunciation for house and the Oxford pronunciation for very? The main part of this book is excellent. I feel that Dr Biggs has produced a dictionary that is worth adding to the bookshelf at home or at school.