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You can’t just learn the language; the threads of Maori culture are inextricably intertwined, writes Lydia Davis.
OPINION: As an immigrant from the UK 11 years ago, I was full of great intentions to become familiar with the indigenous language of New Zealand.
Growing up in Europe, and with a father who loved languages, we were always encouraged to give it a try. So I dived in, but actually my exposure was limited to Playcentre songs and rhyming.
The children got used to hearing me yell ‘Haere mai, ki te kai!’ from the deck, and that was the farthest we got.
Over the years our family has grown and we made the decision to homeschool. I realized that I could not offer constant exposure to Maori tea in the way that its peers received at school.
READ MORE:
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I also know of a great deal of research showing how beneficial language learning is for the developing brain. It was time to embark on my own learning journey, to allow myself to better promote the use of Maori tea at home.
In July I started a weekly evening class at the local polytechnic, and under insightful tutelage and in a supportive classroom setting, some of it is starting to stick!
You can’t just learn the language; the threads of Maori culture are inextricably intertwined. It has been a study of many strands, all slowly creating a beautiful old tapestry that I feel privileged to begin to learn.
JOSEPH JOHNSON / THINGS
Best Start Kindergarten in Canterbury, led by teacher Ali Reriti, is embracing Te Reo Maori teaching.
It has increased my confidence to use the language outside my home. I remember in my early days here I could try to pronounce a place name correctly, only to be admonished by an English speaker who insisted on using Anglican pronunciation (and even then, to my inexperienced ear, painful). I like to think that now I would feel emboldened to stand my ground and respectfully share what I know.
I have no illusions about how far there is to go. I am bringing what I learn to our home school space and the kids love it.
I would encourage anyone who wants to enrich their experience living in this special place to learn Maori tea.
Whether it’s to show coworkers respect, keep up with kids / grandkids, or help keep brain cells working, my advice would be to take the plunge. You will not regret.
