Maori Language Gains 200 Health Related Words

The Maori language has just been expanded by 200 additional words and phrases, and most of the additions are related to health issues.

The new vocabulary was devised by public servant Keri Opal, with key terms to describe mental health, addiction and disability issues now part of the official Maori language.

Opal told Maori Television the added words not only filled gaps in the Maori lexicon, but also were expressly non-judgemental.  For example “in my experience people with autism tend to have their own timing, spacing, pacing and life-rhythm, so I interpreted autism as ‘takiwatanga’ meaning ‘his or her own time and space,’ Opal said.

The new phraseology has been published in a glossary called Te Reo Hapai - The Language of Enrichment which is aimed at New Zealand healthcare.

Click here to view.

Source: pharmacydaily.com.au, Thursday 6 July 2017