Language - New Zealand

Last Updated: Feb. 13, 2008

Tags: language, new zealand, travel and tour advice

English is the official language of New Zealand. The Maori people also have their own language and many place names in New Zealand are in this language. The standard Maori language used today is quite simple as it was written as it was first heard by missionaries. The language is taught in New Zealand schools so it is not unusual for most almost all New Zealanders to know at least a little Maori.

All consonants are pronounced as in English, except:

‘wh’ which is generally pronounced as ‘f’
‘ng’ which is pronounced as in ‘sing’

The vowel sounds are:

‘a’ as in car,
‘e’ as in they,
‘i’ as in feet,
‘o’ as in pour and
‘u’ as in flew.

Add a Comment Comments (1)

Important phrases in the New Zealand language include “sweet as” and “eh bro”.

Jamin posted on Nov. 14, 2007 Flag as Inappropriate

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