Maori phrasebook Attractions & Activities - The Best Holiday Destinations for 2020
The Maori language is cherished by the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori, as a treasure and many pakeha are now trying to learn it. However, although it is an official language of New Zealand, few New Zealanders (and only a minority of Maori) can conduct a conversation in the Maori language (all indigenous Maori speakers are bilingual and understand English just as well).
Still, a number of Maori words have been adopted into New Zealand English, while many place names are Maori words. Being able to correctly pronounce Maori words is a valued skill since incorrectly pronounced Maori sounds like fingernails scratching on a blackboard and will immediately identify you as a visitor to the country. Even a tolerable and halting attempt at the correct pronunciation is better than a poor guess – your effort to get it right will be appreciated and accepted. (Many New Zealanders have trouble with some Maori place names, so you will blend in with the crowd.)
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Maori phrasebook
