The Moriori Language of the Chatham Islands
Moriori is an East Polynesian language once spoken in the Chatham Islands (Rekohu) about 650km East of New Zealand. It is clearly closely related to Maori and both languages share a number of features not found in other Polynesian languages (Clark, 1994). This is suggests a shared history, which is supported by Maori traditions.
Unfortunately Moriori numbers were depleted by a Maori invasion in the 1820s. Language loss was quick, however a small number of Moriori texts survived. Most of the Moriori population today has Maori and European ancestry. For further details see Clark (1994) and King (2000).
References
Clark, R. 1994. Moriori and Maori: The Linguistic Evidence. In Sutton, D. (ed) The origins of the First New Zealanders. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University Press. pp.123-135.
King, M. 2000. Moriori: A people rediscovered.(Revised Edition) Auckland, New Zealand: Viking.
Last modified: 22 October 2007.
This page is Copyright © Peter J Keegan, PhD, 2007.