Language evolves

A letter writer objects to Maori having a word for computer, and goes on to describe the origins of the Maori term ‘‘rorohiko’’ (February 18).

There was a time when English had no word for computer, but one was agreed upon and means this: ‘‘a programmable usually electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data.’’

Maori is like every language in the world – the world evolves, so we add words to our vocab. It’s difficult to think of how else we would respond to change, but with the help of four million-odd committed New Zealanders, the language can and will flourish. GARETH SEYMOUR Te Aro