MAORI

Definition of MAORI

MAORI Noun and Adjective

Māori can be both a noun and an adjective, referring to the indigenous people of New Zealand and their language, culture, and traditions. As a noun, Māori denotes the people of Polynesian descent who are the original inhabitants of New Zealand. As an adjective, it describes anything related to the Māori people, their language, or their cultural practices.

MAORI as a noun

Māori, as a noun, refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. The Māori have a rich history and a unique cultural heritage, including distinct traditions, social structures, and a deep connection to their ancestral land. The term can also refer to the Māori language, which is one of the official languages of New Zealand.

MAORI as an adjective

As an adjective, Māori describes anything related to the Māori people, their language, or their culture. This can include Māori customs, art, music, mythology, and societal practices. For example, Māori art includes traditional carving and weaving, while Māori music encompasses traditional songs and instruments.

Cultural Heritage: The cultural heritage of the Māori people is rich and diverse. It includes traditional practices such as the haka (a ceremonial dance), pōwhiri (a welcome ceremony), and moko (tattooing). These traditions are integral to Māori identity and are celebrated and preserved through various cultural events and initiatives.

Language and Education: The Māori language, or te reo Māori, is a cornerstone of Māori identity. Efforts to revitalize and promote te reo Māori have led to its inclusion in New Zealand’s education system, media, and public life. Bilingual education programs and language courses are widely available, supporting the growth and preservation of the language.

Social and Political Influence: The Māori have significant social and political influence in New Zealand. Māori leaders and organizations actively participate in the country’s governance, advocating for the rights and interests of Māori communities. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, remains a critical document in addressing issues related to land rights, sovereignty, and partnership between Māori and the New Zealand government.

Art and Expression: Māori art and cultural expression are renowned for their beauty and symbolism. Traditional Māori carving, weaving, and tattooing are not only artistic practices but also convey deep spiritual and ancestral meanings. Contemporary Māori artists continue to draw inspiration from their heritage, blending traditional and modern techniques to express their cultural identity.

In conclusion, Māori can refer to both the indigenous people of New Zealand and anything related to their rich cultural heritage. As a noun, it denotes the people and their language, while as an adjective, it describes their customs, traditions, and cultural expressions. The Māori people play a vital role in New Zealand’s social, political, and cultural landscape, contributing to the nation’s diversity and historical richness.

MAORI in a sentence

MAORI as a noun in a sentence

  • The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
  • The Maori have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional dance, art, and storytelling.
  • Learning about the customs and traditions of the Maori is an important aspect of New Zealand’s history curriculum.
  • The Maori language, known as Te Reo, is an official language of New Zealand.
  • Many Maori communities continue to practice their ancestral customs and ceremonies.
  • The Treaty of Waitangi is a significant document in Maori history, establishing the relationship between the Maori and the British Crown.
  • The Maori have a strong connection to the land and natural environment.
  • Maori carving and weaving are celebrated forms of artistic expression.

MAORI as an adjective in a sentence

  • The Maori language is taught in schools throughout New Zealand.
  • She wore a beautiful Maori pendant around her neck, symbolizing her connection to her heritage.
  • The Maori community welcomed visitors with traditional songs and dances.
  • The Maori people have a deep respect for nature and the environment.
  • The museum showcased a collection of Maori artifacts and artworks.
  • The Maori culture places great importance on family and community.
  • He attended a Maori cultural festival, where he learned about the customs and traditions of the indigenous people.
  • The Maori elders passed down stories and legends from generation to generation.

Origin of MAORI

The term Māori has its roots in the Māori language itself and is derived from Proto-Polynesian origins. Here’s a breakdown of its etymology:

  • Proto-Polynesian Origins: The word “Māori” likely originated from Proto-Polynesian languages spoken by the ancestors of the Māori people before their migration to New Zealand. The exact linguistic roots and meaning of “Māori” in Proto-Polynesian are not definitively known, but it is believed to have signified “normal” or “ordinary.”
  • Māori Language: In the Māori language, “Māori” refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. It is the self-designation used by the Māori people to identify themselves as a distinct ethnic group with a unique culture, language, and heritage.
  • Usage in English: In English, “Māori” is commonly used to refer to the indigenous people of New Zealand, as well as their language and culture. It has become a widely recognized term internationally, especially in discussions related to New Zealand’s history, society, and indigenous rights.

Overall, the etymology of Māori is rooted in the ancestral languages of the Māori people and carries significant cultural and historical significance as the self-designation of the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.

Synonyms

  • Indigenous
  • New Zealanders
  • Tangata whenua
  • Polynesian
  • Aotearoa
  • Māori descent
  • Indigenous New Zealanders
  • Native

Antonyms

  • Foreign
  • Alien
  • Outsider
  • Imported
  • Exotic
  • Visitors
  • Immigrants
  • Settlers

Related

  • Whakapapa
  • Whānau
  • Marae
  • Kapa haka
  • Te Reo Māori
  • Tā moko
  • Haka
  • Iwi

🌐 🇬🇧 MAORI in other languages

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