Ake ake ake – Kia kaha te reo Māori!
Using te reo Māori in training materials is about more than just including a few words—it's about respecting and supporting a language that holds a deep cultural significance in Aotearoa. Te reo Māori is a taonga (treasure) that has taken generations to build, yet it can be lost within just one generation if not actively preserved. As the whakataukī (proverb) says,
"Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori" – “The language is the life force of Māori identity.”
As learning designers, we can do our bit to support its survival and growth by including te reo Māori thoughtfully in all our materials. Here are some tips if you want to get started.
Start Small, But Be Authentic
If you're new to using te reo Māori in your eLearning content, it’s okay to start with simple phrases and greetings. However, always be genuine. Use words and phrases that fit naturally within the context of your training. For example, opening a module with “Kia ora” (hello) or “Tēnā koutou” (hello everyone) sets a welcoming tone right from the start.
Incorporate Te Reo Māori Consistently
Avoid the mistake of using te reo Māori just as a one-off. Instead, integrate it throughout your content. This could mean using Māori terms for key headings, instructions, or concepts, and providing English translations to help learners grasp the meaning.
Use Audio for Correct Pronunciation
If your eLearning module includes audio or video, incorporate te reo Māori spoken by a proficient speaker. Hearing the correct pronunciation adds authenticity.
(As a side note - we are advocates of using many different English accents for English voiceovers, to reflect the multi-cultural workforces many of our clients have. But when it comes to Māori, the more ‘standard’ the better.)
Involve Māori Cultural Advisors
If you’re planning to use te reo Māori more extensively, consult with Māori cultural advisors or proficient speakers. They can guide you on using the language appropriately, ensuring your content is accurate and respectful.
Visual Reinforcement
Use visuals, icons, and symbols alongside te reo Māori text to support understanding. For example, if you introduce the word "whānau" (family), include an image of a family. Visual context helps convey meaning, especially for learners less familiar with the language.
Addressing Common Objections
You might encounter some resistance to including te reo Māori in your eLearning. Here’s how to respond to some common objections:
"What about Pākehā who don't understand?"
Including te reo Māori alongside English isn’t about replacing English but enriching the learning experience. Providing translations helps everyone learn and grow their understanding of the language and culture.
"What about new migrants who are still learning English?"
Using simple te reo Māori terms with visuals can actually make content more accessible for all learners, including those still building their English skills. It introduces them to a key aspect of New Zealand culture while supporting their overall learning journey.
"We don't have time in our eLearning; we need to get to the point."
Including te reo Māori doesn’t require large amounts of time. Simple greetings, instructions, or key terms can be seamlessly integrated into the existing content, adding value without extra length.
"Why not include all the other languages spoken by our staff members?"
While acknowledging the diversity of languages is important, te reo Māori holds a special status as an official language of New Zealand and the language of the indigenous people. Including te reo Māori helps uphold its cultural significance and supports efforts to revitalise it. In any case, why not also find ways to reflect the variety of cultural heritages represented in your staff body?
Some examples:
Get started! Common Words and Phrases for training
To help you get started, we’ve put together a free download with some common words and phrases you can use in your eLearning projects. It includes greetings, instructions, and basic terms, along with their meanings, so you can get started including these in your own training materials. Click the link below to get access.
