Introduction:
Imagine a world where Aotearoa, New Zealand, hums with the vibrant sounds of te reo Māori alongside English. Where children learn to count in both languages, where elders share stories in their ancestral tongue, and where every citizen feels a sense of belonging woven into the fabric of this land. This vision, while ambitious, is not a distant dream. It’s a future we can actively cultivate, one step at a time.
Alex Hotere-Barnes, a Pākehā New Zealander who grew up immersed in Māori culture, offers a powerful message: “Don’t let ‘Pākehā paralysis’ make you too scared to try te reo and tikanga Māori.” He understands the apprehension, the fear of making mistakes, but urges us to overcome it. He reminds us that learning te reo is not about becoming an expert, but about acknowledging the rich history and culture that has shaped Aotearoa for centuries.
Hotere-Barnes’ own journey is a testament to the power of embracing biculturalism. Raised in a predominantly Māori environment, he attended kohanga reo and kura kaupapa, fostering a deep connection to the language and customs of his community.
Photo / Supplied
He now works as a researcher and advocate, bridging the gap between Māori and Pākehā communities.
But how can we, as Pākehā, embark on this journey of learning and understanding? Here are some steps to guide us:
1. Acknowledge the Past: Start by understanding the history of Aotearoa, the Treaty of Waitangi, and the impact of colonization on Māori culture. This knowledge provides a foundation for appreciating the resilience and strength of te reo Māori.
2. Embrace the “Why”: Don’t just learn phrases or perform tikanga for the sake of it. Seek to understand the meaning behind the words, the customs, and the values they represent. This deeper understanding fosters respect and connection.
3. Embrace Imperfection: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every journey begins with a single step, and every word spoken, every custom learned, brings us closer to fluency and understanding.
4. Engage with the Community: Connect with Māori communities, participate in events, and learn from those who have been stewards of te reo for generations. Their wisdom and guidance are invaluable.
5. Support the Revitalization: Advocate for te reo Māori in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Support organizations dedicated to language revitalization and cultural preservation.
The path to a bilingual Aotearoa is not without its challenges. A shortage of te reo teachers and ongoing debates about compulsory language learning in schools highlight the need for continued support and commitment.
Conclusion:
Imagine the beauty of a nation where every citizen can greet each other in te reo, English and NZ Sign language,where the stories of our ancestors are shared across generations, and where the spirit of Aotearoa is woven into the very fabric of our lives.
In the European Union it is a common occurrence to hear people from multiple countries fluently speak Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Greek, Italian and English to each other
Now imagine having a multi lingual experience like that, that is unique to Aotearoa New Zesland.
This vision begins with each of us taking a step towards understanding and embracing the richness of te reo Māori.
