ayearinlanguage: A Year in Language, Day 37: Māori Māori is a Polynesian language native to New Zeal
ayearinlanguage: A Year in Language, Day 37: Māori Māori is a Polynesian language native to New Zealand. It diverged from Tahitian in the late 13th century when the Māori people first voyaged to the island. Māori was a common first language right up until the Second World War, when it fell rapidly in decline. Revitalization efforts began in earnest in the 80’s. Whether this is effective has yet to be seen. There is a national television channel in the language and as an official language government business can be conducted in it, and the New Zealand parliament keeps an interpreter ready. Māori pronouns distinguish three numbers; singular, plural, and dual, for when there are exactly two people. They also distinguish between inclusive and exclusive third person pronouns. This means that in Māori there is a word for we meaning you, me, and others, and a separate word for me and others, but not you. -- source link