The common language of New Zealand is English. The Maori also have their own melodic language, mainly heard in songs and chants and on ceremonial occasions. With the renewed interest in Maori culture, the Maori language was made an official language of New Zealand in 1974. Beautifully descriptive Maori place names are scattered throughout New Zealand. The Maori language was entirely oral until the early missionaries recorded it in a written form.
All words end in a vowel, and each syllable has equal stress.
The easiest way to say Maori words is to pronounce each syllable phonetically. Reader's Comments at last someone has taken the time to ask Maori I like the page and there needs to be more like you. All Rights Reserved. Design by Ulla Zang .