Celebrate linguistic diversity with newly added Māori words in the Oxford English Dictionary

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Influence of Maori Language on New Zealand English
• Words of Maori Origin in the Oxford English Dictionary
• Maori Words in Everyday Language
• The Evolution of Maori Words in the English Language
• The Editorial Project: Focusing on New Zealand English
• Regular Updates in the Oxford English Dictionary
• The Significance of Including Maori Words in the OED
• Pros and Cons of Incorporating Maori Words
• Conclusion

🌟 The Influence of Maori Language on New Zealand English 🌟

New Zealand's cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the Maori language, spoken by over 17% of the country's population. In a significant move that recognizes the profound impact of the indigenous tongue, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has recently added dozens of commonly used Maori words to its prestigious collection. This article explores the inclusion of Maori words in the OED, highlighting their significance in shaping New Zealand English and how they have become part of everyday language.

🗣️ Words of Maori Origin in the Oxford English Dictionary

The OED's recent update includes a selection of Maori words that have now been officially recognized. Among these additions are words like "koha," which means a gift, "korero," meaning to talk or hold a discussion, and "kaumatua," which refers to an elder in a community – demonstrating the diverse range of Maori words that have found their way into the English lexicon. Additionally, terms such as "whenua" (land), "whanau" (family), and "mate" (friend) have become commonly used and understood by all New Zealanders, regardless of their cultural background.

💬 Maori Words in Everyday Language

The inclusion of Maori words in the OED is a testament to their widespread usage in New Zealand English. These words have transcended their Maori origins and have become part of the everyday language of the entire population. They are no longer confined to Maori people or specific cultural contexts but rather have permeated all aspects of life in New Zealand. For example, the word "kia ora," a traditional Maori greeting, is now used casually between friends, alongside other English greetings. This integration of Maori words into the vernacular reflects the cultural diversity and inclusivity of New Zealand society.

🌱 The Evolution of Maori Words in the English Language

Language is dynamic and constantly evolving, adapting to societal changes. The OED, as a historical dictionary, traces the usage of words from their earliest recorded instances to the present day. This helps to understand how Maori words have become embedded in New Zealand English. For instance, "koha" was first noted in written text in Carrie Hulme's book "The Bone People" published in 1984. With time, it gained wider usage, making its way into newspapers and magazines, without requiring any translation. The organic growth and acceptance of Maori words highlight the language's ability to absorb and adapt to diverse influences.

📚 The Editorial Project: Focusing on New Zealand English

The recent update of the OED marks a special editorial project dedicated to New Zealand English. The project aimed to capture the unique features and vocabulary of this variety of English, which included the extensive use of Maori words. By carefully examining the language used in New Zealand, the OED was able to gather substantial evidence of Maori words being part of the everyday vernacular. This emphasis on New Zealand English sets this particular update apart, signaling a comprehensive addition of Maori words and reinforcing the importance of indigenous languages in the English lexicon.

🔄 Regular Updates in the Oxford English Dictionary

The OED, being a comprehensive resource, is regularly updated to reflect the evolving nature of language. As new words and phrases emerge, including those of Maori origin, they are incorporated into the dictionary. The frequency of these updates has increased over time, with the OED now being updated four times a year. This allows for a more accurate representation of the English language, encompassing its global variations and local nuances. The inclusion of Maori words is not only a nod to their cultural significance but also a testament to the diversity and adaptability of the English language itself.

✔️ The Significance of Including Maori Words in the OED

The inclusion of Maori words in the OED holds immense cultural and linguistic significance. It acknowledges the contributions of indigenous languages to the enrichment and expansion of the English language. By recognizing Maori words, the OED promotes inclusivity, cultural diversity, and an appreciation for the origins of words and language. It also fosters a greater understanding of the history, identity, and heritage of New Zealand, affirming the importance of indigenous languages in shaping national and global linguistic landscapes.

Pros:

• Celebrates and preserves indigenous culture and heritage
• Promotes a more inclusive and diverse understanding of language
• Adds depth and richness to the English lexicon
• Reflects the evolving nature of language and its ability to adapt

Cons:

• May pose challenges for non-Maori English speakers in understanding unfamiliar words
• Requires continuous educational efforts to ensure proper usage and appreciation

🎯 Conclusion

The addition of Maori words to the Oxford English Dictionary marks a significant milestone in recognizing the cultural and linguistic impact of indigenous languages on national and global language usage. The inclusion of these words highlights the dynamic nature of language, its ability to assimilate diverse influences, and its role in fostering inclusivity. As New Zealand continues to cherish and embrace its cultural heritage, the recognition of Maori words in the OED serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous languages and celebrating linguistic diversity.

Highlights

• The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added dozens of commonly used Maori words to recognize their profound impact on New Zealand English.
• Words like "koha" (gift), "korero" (to talk), and "kaumatua" (elder) have become part of everyday language in New Zealand.
• Maori words have transcended cultural boundaries and are now widely understood by the entire population.
• The OED's digital collection of text has traced the evolution of Maori words, demonstrating their organic growth within the English language.
• The OED conducted a special editorial project focused on New Zealand English, resulting in a comprehensive addition of Maori words.
• The OED is regularly updated to reflect the evolving nature of language, including the incorporation of Maori words.
• The inclusion of Maori words in the OED promotes cultural diversity, inclusivity, and an appreciation for indigenous languages.
• Pros of including Maori words include preserving indigenous culture and adding depth to the English language, while challenges may arise in understanding unfamiliar words.
• The addition of Maori words in the OED symbolizes the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

FAQs

Q: How often does the Oxford English Dictionary update its entries? A: The OED is updated four times a year to reflect the evolving nature of language and to capture new words, phrases, and linguistic developments.

Q: Are Maori words only used by the Maori population in New Zealand? A: No, Maori words have become part of everyday language used by all people living in New Zealand, regardless of their cultural background.

Q: How does the OED determine which words to include from different varieties of English? A: The OED uses a digital collection of text to track the frequency and usage of words specific to different varieties of English. In the case of New Zealand English, the inclusion of Maori words was based on their widespread usage in the country.

Q: Do Maori words in the English language have specific translations or meanings? A: While Maori words do have specific translations or meanings, their usage within the English language has evolved to encompass broader contexts, sometimes expanding beyond their original definitions.

Q: What impact does the inclusion of Maori words in the OED have on cultural preservation? A: The inclusion of Maori words in the OED celebrates and preserves indigenous culture and heritage by recognizing the contributions of Maori language to the enrichment of the English language.