First Lessons in Maori

§ 81. Adverbs indicating direction

§ 81. Adverbs indicating direction.

—The words atu and mai are correlative. Atu generally denotes direction or motion away from the speaker ( a); and mai, direction or motion towards the speaker ( b). They may also denote the relative position of persons or objects, regarded as being opposite to, or over against one another ( c). Ake denotes direction or motion towards some place connected with the speaker, but not where he is at the time of speaking ( d). Ake and iho are also correlative, ake meaning “ from below” or “ upwards”; and iho meaning “ from above” or “ downwards.” When persons or objects are thus relatively situated, ake always qualifies the action or condition of that which is in the inferior position in respect of that which is in the superior position ( e); and iho qualifies the action or condition of the superior in respect of the inferior ( f).