Description
WhaikÅrero: The World of MÄori Oratory examines the basic understanding of traditional MÄori oratory offered at significant gatherings of the people. Usually translated as art of oratory to non-Indigenous MÄori, this scholar Poia Rewi writes from the Indigenous perspective after interviewing 30 elders about this speechmaking. Poia Rewi assesses the origin and history of whaikÅrero; its structure, language and style of delivery; who may speak; and where speech happens. Featuring a range of sample whaikÅrero drawn from both oral and literary sources, the book provides examples of language for learners of MÄori wishing to improve their whaikÅrero skills as well as being a major resource for all readers interested in MÄori culture. The text unwraps the underlying philosophies of the art, which impact on, and are influenced by, a diverse range of systems within the MÄori world, its culture, etiquette, and belief system. Associate Professor Poia Rewi (TÅ«hoe, NgÄti Manawa, Te Arawa) holds a PhD from the University of Otago and teaches in Otago’s Te Tumu: The School of MÄori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, having previously taught at Waikato University for a decade. A certified translator and interpreter of MÄori into English he is also a qualified teacher of English as a second language. Winner of NZSA Best First Book Awards: E. H. McCormick Award for Non-fiction 2011. The book includes a map, bibliography, archival black and white photographs, and an index. Recommended.