Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori: Maori Language Week 2013 July 1 - 7

Image borrowed from the Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori Facebook Page

Arohatia te Reo remains the major theme for Maori Language week, with a focus on

the ‘ingoa’ theme. 'Ingoa' , 'names' asks communities to consider important matters such as correct pronunciation, understanding the meaning of place-names, and using Māori names more often.

From the Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori Facebook page it is noted that  

• ‘There’s a wealth of history that comes with our Māori names.’
•  
• ‘It’s 40 years since Māori Language Day began and we are unable to think of a workplace, school or location where Māori names are not used. We all use Māori place names and personal names on a daily basis.’

In 2013 Maori Language week will allow us the chance to improve our pronunciation and  reo Maori skills.

Helpful resources:

• Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori Facebook page - great to "like" and be kept updated with resources and happenings
• Korero Maori website

All ingoa/names have a story attached to them.  Maori place names, maori names, our children's names.  It is wonderful to share these stories and value them as we do stories which are read or handed down through time.

I will always remember the story behind the place name of "Tauriko".  Do you know it??

The story behind Matariki can be linked to similar stories across the world.  Knowing these stories builds our understanding and knowing of why and how events like Matariki are important.  Knowing how other cultures relate to the same phenomenon allows us to grow our identity while appreciating others.

My daughter is a social connector . While she does not share a session with Marama and her whanau at Playcentre, after their first meeting we discussed Marama being the name of the moon.  My daughter remembers her and has a special connection with her and a story associated with her name.

Our Playcentres communities are rich with resources to explore ingoa/names.  

• our children's names - the special story behind their names
• the legend of our centre location
• the waiata/song of our area ie Tauranga Moana
• Asking the name of another person in Maori : "Ko wai to ingoa?"
• Giving our names to another person in Maori : "Ko Rochelle toku ingoa"

How might you celebrate ingoa at your Playcentre?  Please email or share your ideas in the comments below.  Your ideas will grow in the minds of others and motivate and inspire.

Kia Ora Rochelle