Māori : a linguistic introduction /
Ray Harlow.
- xiv, 241 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm
Includes bibliographical references (pages 224-238) and index.
List of figures -- List of maps -- List of tables -- Acknowledgements -- List of abbreviations -- Introduction -- Maori literature and literature on Maori -- A brief history of Maori -- Regional variation in Maori -- The phonology of Maori -- The morphology of Maori -- The syntax of Maori -- The sociolinguistic situation of Maori -- References -- Index.
"Maori, the indigenous language of New Zealand, is an endangered, minority language, with an important role in the culture and identity of the Maori community. This comprehensive overview looks at all aspects of the Maori language: its history, its dialects, its sounds and grammar, its current status, and the efforts being made by the Maori community and the state to ensure its survival. Central chapters provide an overall sketch of the structure of Maori while highlighting those aspects which have been the subject of detailed linguistic analysis - particularly phonology (sound structure) and morphology (word structure). Though addressed primarily to those with some knowledge of linguistics, this book describes a language with a wealth of interesting features. It will interest anyone wishing to study the structure of a minority language, in fields as diverse as typology, sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology, as well as all those interested in endangered languages and their preservation."--Jacket.