Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, have a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to language, te reo Māori. In recent decades, efforts to preserve and promote the language have intensified as a response to the challenges posed by colonization and dominance of Pakeha, those of English or non-Maori descent. Part of this preservation effort is ensuring that Māori words are used correctly in English conversations and formal writing. A particular issue that often arises is the addition of an “s” to pluralize Māori words. This is a seemingly minor alteration but has become my pet peeve as a Maori academic in the promotion of Maori language, because it reflects broader cultural and linguistic tensions. So, I felt to write about the reasons why adding an “s” to Māori words should be avoided, focusing on cultural respect, linguistic integrity, and the broader significance of language as an element of identity.
Māori and the Importance of Language
Language is at the core of Māori identity. Te reo Māori is more than just a means of communication; it is a vessel for transmitting values, history, and Maori worldview. It reflects the ways in which we understand connection to each other, to the land, and to the spiritual world. The resurgence of te reo Māori in recent years is part of a larger effort to revitalize the culture and identity in a post-colonial context. However, for these efforts to be successful, the language must be used accurately and respectfully, by both non-Māori speakers and Maori speakers.
In te reo Māori, plurals are not formed by adding an “s”, which is the norm in English. Instead, context and usually the specific markers of “ngā” will indicate a plural. For example, “tamariki” means “children” and does not need an “s” to indicate plurality. The phrase ‘people of Aotearoa’ is an easy correction of an incorrect phrase ‘Aotearoa’s people’. Disregard for the grammatical rules of the language may signal a lack of respect or understanding of Māori linguistic structures. Having said that, some fluent speakers, even with understanding of Maori linguistic structures, fall into the disregard, either from lack of care and/or to accommodate our less competent speakers. However, it is to be discouraged.
Colonial History and Language Suppression
The tendency to impose English grammar onto Māori words is symptomatic of New Zealand’s colonial history, during which the Māori language was suppressed. British colonization, led to the marginalization of Māori culture, customs, and language. During this period, Māori were discouraged from speaking the language, particularly in formal settings like schools. English became the dominant language, and as a result, te reo Māori suffered a severe decline in speakers.
Language is a key component of cultural identity, and the imposition of English served as a tool for cultural domination. By forcing Māori people to speak English, the aim to assimilate a Pakeha worldview, aimed to weaken Māori resistance to colonial rule.
In this context, the careless alteration of Māori words by non-Māori speakers can be seen as a continuation of colonial practices. It reflects a disregard for the integrity of the language and, by extension, the culture of the people who speak it. When Māori words are Anglicized—through pluralization, possessives, or other grammatical changes—it reinforces the idea that English norms are the default and that other languages can be adapted to fit them, rather than being respected.
“Te Motu” is sometimes used to refer to New Zealand, but does ‘te’ specifically mean the North or South Island? We hear a lot about how the voices of ‘te motu’ are being considered and that people all over ‘te motu’ are uniting in solidarity. I have assumed that ‘te motu’ refers to the country of Aotearoa … but does it? And we are discussing plurals here, so could using ‘nga motu’ help clarify and avoid ambiguity or inaccurate assumptions? These questions were raised by our manager at work, and we don’t know the answers other than to ask the questions.
The Broader Implications of Language Use
The issue of whether to add an “s” to Māori words is part of a broader conversation about language, power, and identity. Language is not just a neutral tool for communication; it is also a site of power struggles. When a dominant group imposes its language rules on a minority language, it reinforces the power imbalance between the two groups. In the case of Māori, the dominance of English has historically been used as a tool of colonization, and even today, English continues to hold a privileged position in New Zealand society.
The careless or incorrect use of Māori words by non-Māori and Maori speakers alike can unintentionally contribute to the marginalization of te reo Māori. When Māori words are distorted to fit English grammatical rules, it suggests that te reo Māori is somehow inadequate or incomplete, and must be “fixed” or adapted to fit the norms of the dominant language. This attitude undermines the legitimacy of te reo Māori as a fully developed language with its own rules and conventions.
Moreover, the incorrect use of Māori words can also be harmful in a cultural sense. Māori language is deeply intertwined with Māori identity and worldview. When words are misused, they can lose their cultural significance and become disconnected from the ideas and values they originally expressed. For example, using “Aotearoa’s” to mean “New Zealand’s” might seem harmless, but it erases the cultural and historical meanings embedded in the word “Aotearoa,” which holds deep significance for the Māori people.
A Path Toward Respectful Language Use
So how can non-Māori speakers and Maori speakers, use Māori words in a respectful and accurate way? The first step is to learn about the basic grammatical rules of te reo Māori and to understand that it operates differently from English and that possession is expressed differently.
Another important step is to engage with Māori culture and language in a respectful way. This means listening to Māori speakers and learning from them, rather than imposing one’s own assumptions about how the language should work. It also means being willing to make mistakes and to learn from them. Non-Māori speakers should not be afraid to use Māori words, but they should strive to use them correctly and to understand the cultural context in which they are used.
Finally, it is important to remember that the revitalization of te reo Māori is not just about language; it is about restoring Māori culture, identity, and sovereignty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the addition of an “s” to pluralize Māori words in English is a subtle but significant issue that reflects broader cultural and linguistic dynamics. It is a reminder of the colonial history that has shaped New Zealand society and the ongoing struggle of the Māori people to preserve the language and culture. By respecting the grammatical rules of te reo Māori and avoiding the imposition of English structures, we can contribute to the revitalization of Māori language and culture, while also challenging the dominance of the Pakeha and the power imbalances it represents. Language is a powerful tool, and using it respectfully is one way we can honor the identity, history, and mana of the Māori people.
