Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2021

Saying it right / Kia tika te whakahua Pronouncing Māori names correctly lets people know that you appreciate who they are and where they come from. If you are feeling self-conscious let people know you are learning and want to get it right. Vowels / Ngā oropuare Māori vowels are much the same as many other languages (Except English!). Here are the short vowels: ● a as in cup ● e as in egg ● i as in eat ● o as in for ● u as in to Macrons / Ngā tohutō A macron is a line written above a vowel and indicates a long vowel sound. Many people are unsure when to use them, but they make a big difference! For example: Hei tauira: He pukapuka māku - A book for me He pukapuka mākū - A wet book He keke rā whānau - A birthday cake He kēkē rā whānau - A birthday armpit Consonants NgĀ orokati The Māori consonants are: h, k, m, n, ng, p, r, t, w, wh ● ‘ng’ as in singer ● ‘r’ is a rolling ‘r’ sometimes described as being close to an English ‘d’ or ‘l’ sound ● ‘wh’ as in father Everyday simple phrases Below are some simple praise phrases and simple weather phrases you can use with tamariki. Whakamoemititia ngā kupu / Praise phrases Keep it up! Kia kaha koe! Good for you! Tāu kē koe! You did a great job! Tino pai tō mahi! You did it that time! Nāu i mahi, ka pai! Good thinking! Pai rawa tō whakaaro! That’s a good question! He pātai pai tērā! Ngā mihi ke a koe tō kaha. Thanks you for your strength/energy. Huarere / Weather He aha te āhua o tēnei rā? What is the weather like today? He rā kapua tēnei. This is a cloudy day. He rā ua tēnei. This is a rainy day. He rā makariri tēnei. This is a cold day. He rā wera tēnei. This is a hot day. He rā paki tēnei. This is a fine day. He rā kōkōhau tēnei. This is a breezy/windy day! September 2021 { 19 }