Updated at 7:52am on 25 July 2009
Te Upukare National Maori Language Institute at the Auckland University of Technology has launched an application to put the Te Aka online Maori dictionary into iPhones and multimedia players.
Institute director Tania Ka’ai says the application will also enable users to text a word and get it back translated into te reo Maori.
She told Waatea news podcasts of lessons can also be downloaded from Te Whanake Maori language series.
the iPhone application was created by the same company that digitised the Maori dictionary. Ms Ka’ai says it’s being launched in time for Maori Language Week next week.
Source: http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/07/25/1245bc8808be
Tags: Maori
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Saturday, 25 July 2009, 1:26 pm
On the eve of Maori language week next week – the Maori Party notes the statement by the Maori language commissioner that the language is still in a perilous state – but have welcomed some positive indicators too.
Co-leader Dr Pita Sharples says “Recent research shows that the decline of the language has been halted and there is much to celebrate. Figures show that levels of proficiency and acquisition and usage have improved. But much has still to be done and will require the concentrated effort of Aotearoa as a whole.”
“Te Wa o te Reo Maori is a golden opportunity for Pakeha to practice Maori pronunciation – of personal names, and place names especially; and perhaps to follow the good example of Radio New Zealand, and adopt Maori salutations and greetings.
“For Maori, it seems clear that casual conversation is not enough to maintain our reo. Those who can speak Maori must do so with each other – in the presence of the wider community – so making it a popular choice for Maori to speak te reo more amongst their friends.
“We know that our language is the back bone of our culture and that it is this country’s first language. There is no other option but full revitalisation,” said Dr Sharples.
(more…)
Tags: Maori
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By CAROLYN THOMAS – Western Leader. Last updated 10:22 24/07/2009
Maori language, food and dance will be showcased at Pomaria Primary School this Saturday.
The school’s bilingual unit is celebrating the start of Maori Language Week in collaboration with the Puawairua kapa haka group.
Teacher Janet Koschir hopes the day will draw in lots of parents.
“Many enrol their children in these classes and in kapa haka yet they can’t speak te reo themselves,” she says.
“This will give them the opportunity to get involved.”
The day will also feature performances by other west Auckland primary and preschool pupils.
There will be food and craft stalls with entry to performances by gold coin donation.
Maori Language Week runs from July 27 to August 2 .
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/2670778/Celebrating-te-reo-week
Tags: Maori
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