Maori | Promise Taniwha | Bay of Islands, North Island | New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Te reo Māori, the Indigenous language of Aotearoa New Zealand, stems from an ancient world. It is the vehicle to understanding the intricacies of the Māori world including te taha wairua (spiritual world) and te taha kikokiko (physical world). The language also helps locate Māori within their current environment with links to the past.
Maori | Rauwhiri Winitana Paki | Taupo Village, North Islands | New Zealand | 2011 (.) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Recent technologies in language revitalisation have included translated interfaces for a selection of computer applications, mobile technology, physical self-service machines and social media.
Maori | Noel Pearse & Dominique Pere | Huka Falls, North Island | New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Te Aka Māori-English, English-Māori dictionary was developed by John Moorfield, and is an example of Māori language excellence. Known simply as Te Aka, it is the most widely used Māori language dictionary in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Maori | Gisborne Festival, North Island | New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Te Aka Māori dictionary provides a digital link to the Māori language, to cultural environments and their relevance while moving forward in our lives in a contemporary world; in our homes, in our workplaces, in our recreational spaces and in our communities. It helps bind us to the land, to the ocean, to the stars and heavens above, and importantly to the Indigenous Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Maori | Robert Davis | Bay of Islands, North Island | New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Discovering the world in Māori
Te Aka is the dictionary attached to the Kupu and Woolaroo endangered language apps. Kupu, which means ‘word’ in the Māori language, was launched during Māori Language Week in September 2018. It enables users to take a photo of something in their surroundings, identifies it, and offers the Māori translation in real-time.
Maori | Gisborne Festival, North Island | New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Woolaroo adopts the same approach, and opens the door to discovering the Māori world through language alongside several other endangered tongues.
Maori | Stephen Brown, Bully Cooper, Christian Kerei, Seldom Torrey & Daman Bellany | Taupo Village, North Island | New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Why preserve the language?
Language distinguishes a particular area or community, where words that describe a unique cultural practice or idea may not translate precisely into another language, especially English. With their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, UNESCO (2010) says languages are of strategic importance for people and the planet.
Maori | Jack Opiater | Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Many endangered languages have rich oral cultures with stories, songs, and traditions that are passed on to younger generations.
Maori | Eru, Hone Mikaka, Erena Mikaka, Robert, TaniMikaka, Eru, Te Aroha Mikaka & Sky | Bay of Islands, Haruru Falls, North Island | New Zealand | 2011 (2011) by Jimmy NelsonJimmy Nelson
Language is intrinsic to a culture’s values and worldview. Through the people who speak it and what it allows speakers to say, language defines a culture, a people, and a way of knowing and doing.
Open the door to the Māori world with Woolaroo
Launch the app to try it for yourself and learn more about Māori language here.
Story text by Professor Tania M. Ka'ai, PhD.
