Author Description
In this essential guide to students of Maori language and culture, Cleve Barlow defines and discusses seventy important concepts in Maori culture--words as familiar to most Pakeha as aroha, marae, and tapu, or as unfamiliar as aitua, parekawakawa, and urupa. Drawing on the traditional knowledge of the whare wananga (school of learning) as well as on modern usage, Barlow provides short essay definitions in both English and Maori.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the foundational concepts of Maori culture to provide a comprehensive lexicon for students and researchers. Cleve Barlow, drawing upon his background in traditional whare wananga knowledge and contemporary academic discourse, presents a structured analysis of seventy key terms. The text serves as a bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern linguistic application, offering dual-language definitions to clarify the nuances of Maori worldview and social structure.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Definitions for seventy essential Maori cultural concepts ranging from common terms like aroha to specialized vocabulary.
- Comparative analysis of traditional whare wananga teachings versus modern usage.
- Bilingual entries providing both English and Maori explanations for each concept.
- Contextual insights into the social, spiritual, and historical significance of Maori terminology.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and educators frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for those beginning their study of Maori language and cultural protocols. Readers note that the concise, essay-style format makes complex philosophical concepts accessible without sacrificing academic rigor.
Page Count:
208
Publication Date:
1991-05-16
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195582128
ISBN-13:
9780195582123
Reference
Maori Culture
Anthropology
Maori Studies
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