Longest place name in the World!
Some new words, some old words with new meanings and some tongue-twisiting
pronounciations
First of all, kiwis think that everyone else speaks with an "excent" - 'nuff said.
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Longest place name in the World! |
Second, regarding pronouciations of Maori words and place names - do attempt them,
but be ready to be met with laughter at your attempts and then good-natured
corrections. Just take a deep breath for some of the very long names and give it a try.
Even the locals have disputes as to what the correct pronounciation is for some
names.
Unlike english, every letter is pronounced and Maori pronounce "wh" (whaka) as "f"
(faka) and "b" (book) as "p" (puk). For a beautiful introduction to the Maori language
in music, try to listen to
anyone sing the famous lyrics to "Pokarekare ana" - it is especially popular
around the Rotorua area.
Lonely Planet books always have an introduction to foreign language and
place names vocabulary section, as does The Rough Guide to New
Zealand.
Standard Kiwi for Rail Crossing |
Hei Matau carved from bone |
Hei Matau - usually carved bone or paua shell (pendant) "fishhook" indicating that the wearer
is a "provider"
Hei Tiki - usually carved bone, greenstone or cheap imitation (pendant) symbol of the
world's first man
hongi - Maori greeting by pressing of noses (to share one person's life's
breath with another)
judder - speed bump
kumara - any of three types (rd, yellow, or white flesh) of Maori/Polynesian sweet
potato
Marae - used in Maori place names - meeting place
metal - gravel (e.g. road)
mozzie - mosquito
no worries - okay, alright
panel beater - auto collision repair shop
rigger - half-gallon container of draught beer, refillable
sealed or "tarseal" - paved or asphalt roadway
"shout" - treat or buy, as in "shout a round of drinks", "my shout"
snarler - sausage
"STOP" - traffic sign rarely seen outside large cities in New Zealand
tramp - long trek or hike, back country walking track
trundler - shopping cart or golf bag cart
waka - canoe
"West Island" - Australia (as in: North Island, South Island, and West Island)
whanga... - harbour
WOOFers - travellers Working On Organic Farms; labour exchanged for accomodation