Maori alphabet has only 20 letters, consisting of English alphabets a, e, h, i, k, m, n, o, p, r, t, u, w, ng and wh. The other 5 alphabets are long vowels, which include a horizontal stroke higher than the vowels.
There is a catchy song to the tune of ‘Stupid Cupid’ that they utilized in kindergarten and pre-college to teach children how to pronounce Maori. Feels a little like in a kindergarten.
I experienced buddies who took up Maori system in University to learn the language and comprehend the Maori society greater. The very first time I read this song was them singing in our corridor courtyard. The music just sticks in your head for great.
Also, it is helpful to study how to pronounce primary Maori text. Several places in New Zealand use Maori names, only the greater cities have English names. Aside from, it is wonderful to discover a minor of a new language.
How to pronounce Maori vowels?
A – E – I – O – U
Sounds like: Are there 3 or two?
Pronounce NG as in siNGer.
Pronounce WH as an F.
Lyrics for ‘Stupid Cupid’ Maori Alphabet Music
A haka mana para tawa ngawha
E heke mene pere tewe ngewhe
I hiki mini piri tiwi ngiwhi
O hoko mono poro towo ngowho
A – E – I – O – U (sounds like “are there a few or two”)
U huku munu puru tuwu nguwhu
Follow a few instances with the sing-along, and you likely get the hold of Maori pronunciation.
Maori Alphabet Song (Edition 2)
Assume you will need additional observe?
Try out this difficult ‘reverse’ version on your own. Sing to the tune of Stupid Cupid as well.
U whungu wutu rupu numu kuhu
O whongo woto ropo nomo koho
I whingi witi ripi nimi kihi
E whenge wete repe neme kehe
U – O – I – E – A (appears like “you for me em-ma”)
A whanga wata rapa nama kaha
Joyful singing!
