LANGUAGE OF NEW ZEALAND

English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are the official languages of New Zealand. English is by far the major language spoken and is written with Commonwealth (British) spelling. New Zealand English is considered one of the major varieties of English and is different enough from other forms of English to justify it being classed as a separate dialect, as represented by the publication of the Oxford New Zealand English dictionary.

A (seldom-used) expression for New Zealand English is Newzild. Word usage may also differ occasionally, in potentially embarrassing ways for the traveller. Several words that some other English speaking cultures may consider offensive, or have euphemisms for, are considered acceptable usage. For example: A New Zealand bathroom refers to a room containing a bath while the other facilities that an American might refer to as a bathroom or washroom are known as a toilet. The American habit of "bleeping" swear words from broadcasts is considered quaint and rarely done in local programming. The New Zealand broadcasting media is surprisingly tolerant of swear words when used in context.

The New Zealand accent is somewhat nasalised with flattened vowel sounds. New Zealanders consider their accent to be markedly different from the Australian one and are often mildly offended when mistaken for or confused with Australians. New Zealand terminology and slang are also markedly different from Australian language.

Maori is actively spoken by a minority of both Maori and language learners. Maori is available as a language to study in, instead of English, at many educational institutes. The Maori language is spoken by some, but not all, Maori and a few non-Maori. Many place names are in Maori and for the traveller some knowledge of Maori pronunciation is very useful.

New Zealand Sign language was given status in 2005 as an official language of the country.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS

Generally, New Zealand English expressions follows British English. However, New Zealand English has also borrowed from Maori and there are a number of other phrases that are not commonly encountered elsewhere or may confuse the visitor.

• Bach - Holiday home in New Zealand (often comprising fairly basic accommodation).

• BYO - Bring Your Own. An addition to the name of a restaurant that has not (or more likely had not) a liquor license. Means that it is perfectly okay to bring your own wine/beer/anything with alcohol to enjoy with your food.

• Bugger - Long a common expletive, it gained a certain legitimacy and/or notoriety when used in an amusing and award-winning prime-time TV ad. Used by politicians, on the back of cars, used by many people. Means "Oh bother". Mildly impolite and may offend a few people.

• Dairy - Convenience store; corner shop.

• Entry by gold (or silver) coin (donation) - The admission charge to an event, exhibit, gallery or museum is by making a payment of a coin in the appropriate metal, often in the donation box at the door. The gold coins in NZ are the $1 and $2 coins, while silver are the 5c, 10c, 20c and 50c coins. (See also "Koha" below)

• Ladies a plate - At social functions, such as meetings, attendees are expected to bring a plate carrying ready-to-eat food'. Typically the food is home baking of the lady of each attending family or couple attending.

• Claytons - Describing something as a Claytons means that the item lacks full functionality or is a poor imitation of the real thing. From the name of the (unsuccessful) non-alcoholic beer that was briefly marketed during the late 1970s/early 1980s under the catch phrase The drink you're having when you are not having a drink.

• Glidetime - Flexible working hours (or flexitime), often worked by public servants. Under this system, workers can start and finish work at hours of their choosing between 7 am and 6 pm, although they must work the core hours of 9.30 am to Noon and 2 pm to 3.30 pm and average 40 hours per week. Also the name of a comedy play about such workers.

• Public servants - People employed by central government organisations, or enterprises owned by the country's government.

• Social welfare - State operated organisations responsible for child protection services, income assistance and work placement for the unemployed.

• Beneficiary - A person of working age who is receiving state welfare assistance payments known as income support or a benefit.

• Pensioner - Retired person, a superannuitant, or a former soldier receiving a war pension.

• Superannuitants - Retired people in receipt of a state retirement pension known as New Zealand Superannuation. This payment is paid to all citizens over 65 years old.

• Hui - A meeting or gathering to discuss and debate issues in traditional Maori fashion.

• Iwi - A Maori tribe or people, sometimes known as a Whaka (canoe), as many iwi are named after the ocean going canoes that brought their ancestors to New Zealand.

• Koha - A Maori term for gifts or donations. Often an exchange of gifts takes place. (Sometimes the admission signs say, "Entry Koha", meaning Gold Coin or what you feel like donation.)

• Kai - Food.

• Marae - A traditional Maori meeting or gathering place. Also a community centre.

• Powhiri - A Maori ceremonial welcome. Especially to a marae, but now also may take place at the start of a conference or similar large meeting in New Zealand.

• Whanau - A Maori (extended) family. Kinfolk.

• Wharenui - The meeting house (literally big house) on a marae.

• Wharekai - The dining room and/or kitchen (literally food house) on a marae.


Retrieved from Wikiepdia, the Free Encyclopedia

HOTELS AND ACCOMMODATION IN NEW ZEALAND

TOURS AND TRAVEL IN NEW ZEALAND