FAQ about Maori Grammars
Q1. What Maori language grammars are available and of what value are they?
A1. The most recent grammar is Harlow (2001). In my view this is clearly the best grammar of Maori available. Aimed at those who have some knowledge of the language and are interested in how Maori works, it is of particular interest to second language speakers of Maori. Some of the changes that are happening in modern Maori are described.
I have several very minor gripes about Harlow (2001). First, the example at the top of page 276, may lack textual evidence and may not be used by the majority of fluent Maori speakers. Second, more details would be useful in the section on reduplication, especially on the currently productivity of various patterns and the reduplication of neologisms and words derived from English. Thirdly, Table 8.2, page 290 is not labeled correctly.
A2. Bauer's (1997) reference grammar, seems to be more suited for advanced students with a good knowledge of language structure, especially syntax. Derived partially from Bauer (1993), it gives more attention to complex sentence structures than Harlow (2001).The book is based on Maori used by several older, very fluent native speakers of Maori.
This grammar is not used much by second language learners of Maori, most of whom probably do not have the required background in language structure/syntax.
A3. Biggs's Lets Learn Maori (1969) provides an outline of the structure of Maori based on the phrase. For many years this was the only grammar available. It gives little attention to complex sentences and there are some aspects of the grammar of Maori not well covered. It was translated into Maori by Cleve Barlow (Biggs, 1990).
Biggs's grammar has fallen out of favour and very few institutions or individuals (other than Biggs's former students/acolytes) still use it.
General Comments
Grammars tend to focus on written Maori as opposed to spoken Maori (an area requiring further research).
Each grammar uses slightly different terminology, in particular for classifying verbs (or lexical words other than nominals). A number of words in Maori can function as different parts of speech (i.e. can belong to more than one word class) which has lead in part to the variation in grammatical terminology used in the description of Maori.
Both Harlow and Bauer have taught grammar in New Zealand universities(at Waikato University and Victoria University of Wellington respectively) over the years. It is worthwhile attending their courses.
There are different sets of Maori translations of English grammatical terminology. Taura Whiri (Maori language commission) terminology is probably the most widely used, however, some of their terms appear to have been revised.
Grammars often lack details on productivity. They sometimes give obscure examples or use words which are unlikely to be encountered in current speech. This is largely a result of lack of data and language change.
There are other pseudo-grammars or less detailed descriptions of Maori in existence. These are usually listed in the literature already quoted.
Harlow's recently released Maori: a linguistic introduction is excellent, but expensive.
Summary
If you are serious about learning about the structure of Maori or improving your command of Maori get Harlow (2001). Some (especially advanced students) may find Bauer's works (1993, 1997) worthwhile.
References
Bauer, W. A. (1993). Maori. London: Routledge.
Bauer, W. A. (1997). The Reed reference grammar of Maori. Auckland, New Zealand: Reed.
Biggs, B. (1969). Let's learn Maori: A guide to the study of the Maori language. Wellington, New Zealand: A.H. & A.W. Reed.
Biggs, B. (1990). Me ako tatou i te reo Maori (trans. C. Barlow). Auckland, New Zealand: Billy King Holdings Ltd.
Harlow, R. (2001). A Maori reference grammar. Auckland, New Zealand: Longman.
Harlow, R. (2007) Maori: A linguistic introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Last modified: 22 October 2007.
This page is Copyright © Peter J Keegan, PhD, 2009.