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Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jan 31, 2016 10:47:55 GMT 12
Hawkes Bay Today 29/1/16
MODERN ENGLISH I would like to comment on the letter which was submitted by Horiana Robin concerning the matter of being, educating and speaking Maori. She is partially correct in her statement that the English language of today is not uniquely English, although her comment concerning its Germanic/Dutch origins is questionable. Modern English is a mixture of languages and has developed through that introduced by invaders such as the Romans, Vikings, Danes and French. Many other words came from wars fought by the British in places such as South Africa and India and even more came into use through to need to communicate during trade negotiations with other countries. Even the New Zealand Maori language has changed dramatically over the last 150 years. This is due to two basic factors, firstly the limited number of consonants in the Maori alphabet and secondly, the need to communicate globally which means many other words needed to be included in the Maori lexicon. Many English language words are now part of the Maori language but use a Maori pronunciation. I guess when the new kura (school) opens the pupils will travel in a pahi (bus) write in a puka puka (book) with a pene (pen). Horiana's feelings concerning her culture are admirable, but, the question must still be asked, is it of any practical benefit to the country? A B Hastings
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