September 07, 2017
Word creation celebrated on stamps
For those who still send letters, a stamp issue has gone on sale highlighting new Maori words.
Designed by Wellington designers David Hakaraia and Elisabeth Vullings, they come with explanations of the way the words were developed.
So rorohiko or computer comes from roro meaning brain and hiko for electricity.
The term for mobile phone came from waea, borrowed from the English wire used to describe first the telegraph and then the telephone, and pukoro or pocket.
Maori Language Commission chief executive Ngahiwi Apanui says the stamps illustrates how expanding the range of words and terms available to deal with new concepts and things is an important part of revitalising the Maori language.
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