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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 21. 5th September 1973

The same topic in colloquial language

The same topic in colloquial language

This could not be done as I had envisaged with tapu subjects such as tangihanga, mate and atua. I tried taping it with my first cousin but we always ended up in sadness and speaking High Maori. So I dropped it. This illustrated. I think, that such subjects as the above could not be readily discussed in colloquial Maori because of its implications. The Maori language takes less traditional, and revered, and more every- day occurrences for expressions in the colloquial language, and it it in this area that it can expand its usefulness and popularity.

It has been suggested that because of its restriction to ceremonial occasions, the classical or high language might die out eventually in the same way as has happened to Latin. But I feel that as long as there is the marae, the meeting house (or an equivalent), the dining hall, the tangihanga, the hui and so on, the classical or the High Maori must still continue. The late Sir Apirana Ngata was the founder of all this, and we sec his work, his mind in all these places and houses to perpetuate Maontanga.