Tongue of New Zealand

New Zealand was once under the colonisation of Britain although a Dutch was the first European to set his sights on the country, therefore English is the official language. Maori, a language of the native Maori people, also became an official language in 1987. But before it became the official language of New Zealand, the Maori language went through a struggle and almost was lost forever.

Kia ora = Gidday!

An attempt by a visitor to use Māori greetings will almost certainly elicit a delighted response from both Māori and Pakeha (European) New Zealanders.

Kia ora – Hello

Kia ora tatou – Hello Everyone

Tena Koe – Greetings to you (said to one person)

Tena koutou – Greetings to you all

Haere mai – Welcome

Nau  mai – Welcome

Kei te pehea koe? – How’s it going?

Kei te pai – Good

Tino pai – Really good

Haere ra – Farewell

Ka kite ano – until I see you again (Bye)

Hei konei ra – See you later

In 1840, the tribal heads of New Zealand signed a treated called the Treaty of Waitangi with Queen Victoria which promised that the Maori language will be preserved. But about ten years later, the Maori people were lured into the cities which led to people losing interest in the Maori language as they were pressured to speak English which was essential for them to do business.

By 1970’s, the language was close to being lost forever as children were raised without learning their mother tongue. Fortunately, there has been widespread support for the Maori language recently which led to New Zealanders finding back their mother tongue. Nowadays, the Maori language is taught in schools and used in the media. Recently a survey was carried out to find out how many New Zealanders could speak Maori and a relieving 130,000 people said that they could speak the language.

Another unique feature about the official languages of New Zealand is that sign language is also recognised as one of the official languages. It was made official in April 2006 which made New Zealand the first country to make sign language an official language. The New Zealand Sign Language or NZSL for short is the main language for the deaf community in New Zealand.