Language. It’s often what identifies a nation. Something that overtly signals a nationality to outsiders. Something that is woven into a country’s cultural heritage. Simply, it helps to make a nation what it is.
New Zealand actually has three official languages: English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. I’m not going to comment on the last one, I wouldn’t know where to start. Except to say that it is impressively inclusive.
And in the spirit of tri-lingualism, Māori is actually referred to in Māori itself: Te Reo. Almost everyone knows at least a few words of Te Reo. In fact, so many words are thrown into conversation, particularly on TV, that they seem almost to be part of English. Words that either have no direct translation or that simply better sum up a Kiwi concept. It has not always been this way. But for the past twenty years, New Zealanders have embraced Te Reo as a symbol of their bi-cultural identity.
And of course, even the English is not English English. Kiwi English is a version of English influenced by the pioneer experience half a world away as well as more recent cultural changes and the typical ‘it’ll be alright mate’ Kiwi attitude.
As a linguist, I find myself intrigued by linguistical differences. I can’t help pointing out to my American friend exactly where he is going wrong! And even after eighteen months, I still get to the supermarket self-service and can’t remember what my vegetables are called. But that’s what makes living in a foreign country that bit, well, foreign. Here’s a few of my Kiwi favourites:
Jandals – that’s flip flops to you and me. Short for Japanese sandals. The Kiwis claim to have invented the jandal but that makes no sense – surely, they were in Japan first or why call them that?!
Morning tea – a term used to describe a social gathering where drinks and cakes are served. Often used in the office to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion. It sounds very twee but I’m not sure there is an English equivalent, so I’m going to let them have it.
Whakapapa – a Te Reo word meaning genealogy, oral history and connection with nature. I’m not sure a non-Māori can explain it any more accurately than that. I don’t know if it is my own interest in tracing my family tree or the way the word rolls off the tongue, but it sounds so comforting. For non-Te Reo speakers, ‘wh’ is pronounced ‘f’. Please hold any crass comments and appreciate its elegance.
Bach (or crib down south) – a holiday home. Often tiny and slightly run down. Sometimes larger and grander than anything I will ever own. Almost everyone either owns a bach or has access to a relative or friend’s. Bach living is quintessential NZ summer. The bach. On the beach. Bliss.
Eh? – so much more succinct than “don’t you think?” or “right?” Every statement that needs verification ends in “eh?” I can’t quite bring myself to mangle the Queen’s English so badly but somehow it sounds right coming out the mouth of a laid-back Kiwi.
Dairy – or corner shop to us Brits. Presumably they started life by selling dairy products but now sell the crisps (chips), groceries and general tat found in corner shops everywhere. To be fair, I can’t complain about the name. Corner shops are no longer always on corners.
OE – short for Overseas Experience. The Kiwi equivalent of a gap year. Almost everyone seems to have spent time in the UK, often on their OE. For a nation so far from anywhere, the OE is like a rite of passage. None of that this year, of course. Domestic OEs are a thing though. Confused?!
Yis!!