Maori Language |
|
1995 was an important year for all New Zealanders. It was the
year for celebrating and sharing one of their greatest national treasures - the Maori
language. Ne |
|
© 2002-2004 by Stamp Newsletter - All Rights Reserved
w Zealand is the only
country in the world where Maori language is spoken and written and this alone makes it a
potentially rich tool for distinguishing their country internationally. Thousands of new
Maori words are created every year. It proves the language's flexibility and its
capability for reading and writing The Maori language came to New Zealand with the
Polynesian migrations around 1000 years ago. Since then, it has developed independently of
other Polynesian tongues to become the Maori of today. It is estimated that currently some
50,000 New Zealanders, almost all of Maori descent, are fluent speakers of Maori. As Maori
is not spoken widely anywhere else in the world, it provides New Zealand with a unique
language identity. For that reason, and for the important role it has to play as a
positive social force in the Maori community, its survival is seen as vital. The six
stamps focus on the importance of the Maori language, and commemorate Maori Language Year.