The Rights and Wrongs of Maori Vowels

Radio Record, Volume IX, Issue 14, 11 October 1935, Page 51

The Rights and Wrongs of Maori Vowels

‘To the Editor. Sir-It was with interest and much amusement that I read the controversy in your columns about Mr. Drummond’s pronunciation of Maori names, and in particular his pronunciation of "Nepia,’ but after reading the contributions of "Arawa" and "William W.° Bird," I feel I must enlighten these two "authorities" upon the correct pronuneiation of Maori vowels. Following are the five vowels jn the Maori language, and their approximate corresponding pronunciations :- Maori "a" is pronounced as in Enlish "part." Maori "e" is pronounced as in English "pear." Maori "i" is pronounced as in Hnglish "neat." Maori "o" is pronounced as in English "north." Maori "u’’ is pronounced as in Bnglish "boot." Previously, like the two mentioned correspondents, I had always been taught, among other errors, that the Maori "e’ was pronounced as: in English "hay," and I had never been able to understand why I could not pro-

nounce words as the Maoris say them until I was enlightened by one.of their race. Incidentally, it is quite true that Maoris get a lot.of fun out of listening to pakehas endeavouring to pronounce Maori words, in the same way 458 pakehas are amused by uneducated Maoris speaking broken English, but to a much greater degree. As far as Mr. Drummond’s pronulciation of Maori names is concerned, he certainly does better than the majority of pakehas, but unfortunately his efforts are limited by lack of coach-ing.-LI am, ete,

A HUMBLE PAKEHA

Palmerston North.