A Grammar and Vocabulary of the Language of New Zealand.

Syntax

Syntax.

Of the Substantive and the Possessive Pronoun.

The Possessive Pronoun is placed either before or after the Substantive; as,

  • Táku tamaiti, My son; or E tamaiti náku, A son of mine.

  • Tóku matúa, My parent; or, E matúa nóku, A parent of mine.

  • To tátu wáre, Our house; or, E wáre no tátu &c.

  • Kóa máte ke tóku matúa táne, me tóku matúa wahíne; My father and mother are dead.

The Dative Case Signifying Acquisition.

  • O mai ki 'au, Produce to me.

  • Móku te táhi tóki, For me one axe, or Give me an axe.

  • Móu tenei tóki, For thee this axe, or Take this axe.

  • E tángata ngákau núi ki te wawáhi, A man who has a fearless disposition for disputation.

Space, Measure, Time, and Place.

  • Ke tawíti, ko táhi ra ka aire, ka tai; The distance is (that) of one day's journey.

  • E wai kédi, e óno te róa o te hohónu; A ditch six fathoms deep.

  • Ki te po, e kóre e kitéa te kanóhi; In the night the eye cannot see.

  • E tángi po ána ra óki te wahíne á ka áo te ra, kamútu; The woman cries during the night, at day-break ceases.

  • E'aha ra nei te máhinga máku kei Ingland? What shall I work at in England?

  • No Niw Zíland ra óki ía, He is from New Zealand.

  • Ko Niw Zíland ra óki ía, He is going to New Zealand.

  • Kei úta tóku káinga, My residence is in the interior.

  • Aire ra óki koe ki tóu wáre, Go to thy house.