Into the heart of Māori language

In the previous column the focus was upon what are commonly called “ā” and “ō” categories of “possession” or “ownership”.

All possessive words and word-pairs in te reo Māori have two forms – one featuring the vowel-sound “ā”, the other the vowel-sound “ō”.

The distinction is variously explained in most books which cover the grammar of te reo – along with lists of what types of possessions belong in which category. A learner may simply endeavour to memorise such lists.

Food and drink (other than pure water) belong in the “ā” category”: “He kapu tī / māu?” = “A cup of tea / for you?” = “Would you like a cup of tea?” Water belongs in the “ō” category: “Hōmai / he wai / mōku.” = “Give here / some water / for me.” = “Please give me some water.”

Memorisation of the lists may certainly be aided by some understanding of the principle involved.

Briefly, possessions over which the owner has control or dominance, and which are therefore regarded as “inferior” possessions, are assigned to the “ā” category; whilst those to which the owner is subordinate, and are therefore considered “superior” to the owner, are “ō” category.

But the application of rules such as these can be followed only with knowledge of how particular “possessions” are regarded from Māori “world-view “perspective. It may be obvious that land is something superior, to which humans are subordinate – but it’s really only such phrases as “tāku wahine” (“my wife”) and “tāku tāne” (“my husband”) – both these being “ā” category – that demonstrate a principle of equality existing between husband and wife embedded in te reo.

Similarly, it is recognition of the correct form in the common question “Ko wai / tōu ingoa?” (“What is your name?”) and answer “Ko Hone / tōku ingoa.” (“John / my name/”) that informs a learner that a “name” is regarded as “superior” to the person. It should be noted though, that for some t-class possessives, “neutral” forms (without “ā” / “ō” distinction) are in common use. These are “taku” / “aku” (“my”) “tō” / “ō” (“your”) and “tana” / “ana” (“his” or “her”): “Ko wai / tō ingoa?” “Kei hea / ō Tamariki.” (“Where are / your children?”)

Neutral forms are used only for singleperson t-class possessives. Where two or more owners are involved the distinguishing forms “tā” / “ā” or “tō” / “ō” precede the appropriate pronoun.

There are no neutral forms with the n-class or m-class possessives.

Making the effort to understand features of the language such as these almost certainly helps take the learner into the heart of te reo Māori.