Pharmacists can play a critical role in the revitalisation of te reo

Maori Language Week commenced on 11 September, giving the chance for everyone to play a part in revitalising the language, according to linguist Tuwhakairiora (Tu) Williams.  Mr Williams, who is the independent chair of PRISM (Pharmacy Reference group for the Implementation of the Strategy for Maori health), says the week is a very important event, highlighting the Maori language and getting more people involved.  

"The revitalisation of the Maori language is about ensuring that it not only survives, but endures. And that's not just a Maori responsibility but a responsibility of the nation," he says.  Mr Williams thinks pharmacists at the coalface can play a critical role in achieving that aspiration. He is also the author of the cultural competency programme for pharmacists called Bridging the Cultural Gap, and says a good place to start is with pronunciation and basic words and concepts. "It's a really important skill to have when you are engaging with Maori clients because if you're able to pronounce the words correctly, and use some of the more common phrases, it makes your client feel you have empathy with them," he says.   

Pharmacist Steve Roberts from Ngaruawahia, a significant place for Maori in Aotearoa, says another good way to start is with names. Mr Roberts says remembering people's names and getting the pronunciation right is an important sign of respect, and is the easiest way to start learning the phonetics of any language.  Though some Maori words may have direct English translations, many are concepts that simply do not exist in Pakeha culture. This is particularly relevant in healthcare, where cultural values and principles are held dearly.  

According to Mr Williams, it's also about levelling the playing field. "The pharmacist holds a power position, and if you can use a few phrases and use them well, the client will feel a lot more at ease and will appreciate the fact that you're engaging in a way that is culturally relevant to them," he says. "Maori culture is the one thing we have in this country that is unique, and for the language and the culture to endure, it needs critical mass."

RESOURCES

Free app: Aki Hauora, a learning tool developed by the University of Otago in Christchurch for health professional students in assisting them to learn Maori language terms for specific words used commonly in the health environment.

Book: Tikanga Maori, Living by Maori Values. By Hirini Moko Mead and Sidney M. Mead.

Maori Language Week website: www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/events-and-promotions/maori-language-week/ 

Source: www.pharmacytoday.co.nz/news/2017/september-2017/11/pharmacists-can-play-a-critical-role-in-the-revitalisation-of-te-reo.aspx, viewed 13 September 2017