Cook Islands Language Week

[Hazel Owen]

The following was shared by Teanau Tuiono via email:

Kia orana

Just in case you didnt know it is Cook Islands Language week

There are five languages spoken in the Cook Islands.  English and Cook Islands Māori are the official languages (except on Palmerston where only English is official). The other languages are Pukapukan ( from the island of Pukapuka which is geographically and linguistically closer to Samoa ), Rakahanga/Manihiki which is spoken on the islands of the same name ( some say this is more of a dialectical diference than a language in its own right ... ) and Tongarevan (spoken on the island of Penrhyn). Palmerston has an English dialect which is mixture of old midlands English, linguists say this resembles a Gloucestershire accent. ( Anybody with a connection to Leicestershire and Gloucestershire who wants to know more email back for more links )

Cook Islands Māori is very similar ( often the same ) to the Māori spoken here. 

Some basic words ( for those of you learning Māori .... yes the words that look and sound the same have the same meaning ...)

Kia orana = Hello

Kia orana korua = Hello ( you two )

Kia orana kotou = Hello ( three or more )

Pe'ea koe = How are you

Pe'ea korua = How are you two

Meitaki au = Im fine

Meitaki maua = We (two ) are fine     

Aere ra = Goodbye

More language and cultural stuff see here:

http://www.tuatuamai.co.nz/

For events see here ( note Wellington region celebration often start a month after ..... no idea why )
http://www.mpia.govt.nz/celebrate-cook-islands-language-week-6-10-a...


meitaki ma'ata,

Teanau