A greeting from the Mori language that has made its way into New Zealand English is kia ora (Mori: [kiaa], roughly translated as KYOH-r or ki-AW-r in English). Literally, it means “enjoy life” or “be healthy,”[1] wishing them the essence of life. [2] It can be used as a casual way of saying “hey,” “hello,” or “goodbye,” as well as to express gratitude in a manner similar to “cheers.” It is similar to the expression “g’day” as a greeting (used in Australian and New Zealand English). [3]
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How is kia ora pronounced phonetically?
“My life has transformed since I began learning Mori at Te Wnanga o Aotearoa 15 years ago. I immediately developed a passion for this lovely language thanks to the professors and classmates I met there who gave me the confidence to think that the Mori language is for me too, despite the fact that I am not a Mori. Today, only 15 years later, I teach te reo pronunciation and have developed a number of te reo books and sing-along tools.
“I discovered about halfway through my journey that many of my teaching colleagues also struggled with pronouncing te reo with confidence. They informed me that the tools at their disposal were challenging to utilize and that they lacked the self-assurance necessary to move past greetings, orders, colors, and numbers. Te Reo Singalong books were inspired by the repeated text patterns I was seeing being sung to a catchy song.
“These novels received overwhelmingly positive reviews, which were followed by calls for pronunciation workshops. I explain that the key to pronouncing Mori words correctly is to break them at each vowel. However, applying this understanding to every Mori word and phrase we useincluding our location namesis the most crucial thing we can do.
“Although bad role models and years of habit are the main causes of improper pronunciation rather than deliberate action, I think teachers have a specific duty to try their best. Teachers might be the only people students look up to for advice on how to pronounce te reo Mori properly. They mimic the speech of others around them as they learn to speak. They will follow if we do it well.
“I think there’s a lot we can learn from how kids pick up language. Infants and young children don’t begin using complete phrases. They begin by practicing sounds before progressing to words and finally phrases. Before young toddlers learn to speak in complete sentences, it takes some time. It stands to reason that acquiring a second language like Mori should go in a similar manner. We should begin by perfecting the language’s sounds. Then, before going on to simple phrases, we should use those sounds to pronounce single words clearly.
“I advise teachers to start with the basics and master the vowel sounds when I work with them in pronunciation workshops. Why say anything at all “kia ora if we don’t know how to pronounce the term properly? You might be surprised to learn that a lot of people mispronounce the simple greeting.
Most people substitute “Ki ora” for “Hi there. We are unable to omit the “a at the end of “kia because there are no silent letters in the Mori alphabet. Most Mori speakers claim that “Ki / ao / ra is the right way to pronounce it.
“You can view some of the little films on my Facebook page, Pronunciation Signposts in Te Reo Mori, to learn more about te reo pronunciation.
Should I say kia ora?
Kia ora can be used to greet someone, show appreciation, offer love, and establish a connection.
The native Mori language is the source of the friendly and welcoming greeting known as “kia ora,” which is used often throughout New Zealand.
What does kia ora mean?
Kia ora, in its most basic form, says greeting. But because it makes a reference to life and health, “kia ora” is more than just a simple greeting.
More than merely a passing greeting, these two words have deeper meanings. The word “ora” literally means “to live” or “to be alive.” By adding “kia,” it is transformed from a noun to a verb, becoming “living” instead of “alive”. As a result, when you say “kia ora” to someone, you are wishing them life itself.
When should you say kia ora?
In New Zealand, the informal greeting kia ora is used. Everyone uses it in everyday discourse, from the prime minister to the neighborhood shopkeeper.
Use kia ora as a greeting or farewell, to express gratitude, to express support, or to convey a warm “cheers.” Kia ora can be used to start an email or answer the phone.
It’s crucial to express gratitude to others. By saying “Kia Ora,” we acknowledge not only them but also everything about them, including who and from where they are.
Kia orado Kiwis use it?
Many individuals outside of New Zealand are familiar with the salutation “Kia Ora.” It also has a wide range of meanings! Kiwis use it to greet one another, wish one luck, and convey other sentiments. In essence, it’s a comprehensive way to convey well wishes. Our pals at Massey say that one misconception about New Zealanders that is really accurate is that they are highly amiable people. People will frequently welcome you with “Kia Ora!” as you start your day when you study abroad in New Zealand.
The third time you say Tena koutou, why?
Despite the fact that English is New Zealand’s primary language, the Mori language is a national treasure and is currently seeing a rebirth. Pick up some basic language.
Te Reo Mori, New Zealand Sign Language, and English are all recognized as official languages in New Zealand. The majority of people speak English, although only about 4%, or 140,000, do so in Te Reo. As a result, it is now the second most widely used language in New Zealand.
The Mori language is being revived and is regarded as a national treasure. Te Reo is still a living language that is widely spoken in New Zealand because to programs like Mori Language Week, Mori language schools (from pre-school through high school), and a Mori language television station.
In the traditional Mori greeting known as the hongi, two individuals press their noses and occasionally their foreheads together (pictured). It is typically used at ceremonial gatherings of Mori people and is sometimes followed by a handshake.
You can assist in sustaining the language Te Reo Mori by striving for accurate pronunciation and use straightforward words and expressions in daily speech. A wonderful place to start is by learning the fundamental Mori greetings (mihi). Anywhere in New Zealand you use them, you’ll probably get a big smile in return.
Thank you
Kia ora is a greeting that can also be used to show gratitude in general.
The Mori words for “thank you” are tn koe (to one person), tn krua (to two people), and tn koutou (to three or more persons).
How does ora work in Mori?
Ngahiwi Apanui, the company’s chief executive, explains that “it’s actually more of a ‘gidday’; I wouldn’t say it to elders or if I was meeting someone for the first time.”
The expression can be used to end an email, wish someone well, or express gratitude.
Apanui explains, “It also signifies to wish someone life and health.” Kia is a future tense particle that, technically speaking, means something will happen. Together, ora and kia mean life.
We say “kia ora r” when someone corrects us or helps us, according to Apanui. R can refer to the sun or day, but in this case, it denotes a separation from the speaker, much like the phrase “by that.”
Apanui thinks that the expression is quite adaptable. It’s being thrown around everywhere, and he thinks that’s fantastic.
“Even if kia ora is the only term people use to communicate in te reo Mori, that is still preferable to saying nothing. However, it’s far better if everyone understands what that brief passage implies.”
Do people in New Zealand say “g day”?
Used interchangeably with hello and hi, although more typically used in Australian and New Zealand, and possibly the most casual of these alternatives. Additionally used in the phrases “good morning,” “good afternoon,” and “good morning, stranger” (ironically, to a friend not seen in some time).
Is the term “kiwi” Mori?
When used to designate a group of individuals, the word Kiwi is frequently capitalized. The word for the bird, which is spelt with a lowercase k and has Mori origins, usually continues as kiwi when it is pluralized. [21] The moniker typically uses the plural form Kiwis when used as an English word. [2] [22] As a result, “two Kiwis” refers to two individuals, whereas “two kiwi” denotes a pair of birds. The conservation organization Save the Kiwi coined the catchphrase “Kiwis for kiwi” as an example of this linguistic courtesy. [23] In 2020, Kiwibank changed their tagline from “Kiwis making Kiwis better off” to “Kiwi making Kiwi better off,” utilizing the plural form Kiwi (capitalized but without the terminal -s) to refer to the people. [24]
Although the term “kiwi” is not commonly thought of negatively, some New Zealanders, particularly people with Mori ancestry, find it off-putting and would rather not identify with it.
[25] After a New Zealander unsuccessfully contended that she was a victim of racial discrimination after being called a “Kiwi,” a South Australian employment tribunal found in 2018 that the moniker was not discriminatory. [26]
In a formal setting, the term “kiwi” has been used to refer to everyone in or of New Zealand and is regularly used in government news releases. Examples of this terminology include Kiwibank, KiwiSaver, and KiwiRail.