Bridging Cultures: Navigating the study of Chinese languages and Te Reo Māori

This September in Aotearoa New Zealand, we celebrate two special weeks: Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (14–21 Sept), marking the 52nd anniversary of the Māori Language Petition on Saturday 14th, and New Zealand Chinese Language Week (22–28 Sept). 

Both initiatives promote language learning in New Zealand by raising awareness, sharing cultural stories, and connecting communities. Languages bridge cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation.  

With this inspiration in mind, our latest podcast features @EThan Jones, @Laura Oh, and @Luke Qin, who join our Council’s Assistant Director @Summer Xia to discuss their journeys of learning Te Reo Māori and Chinese languages, exploring linguistic and cultural connections and sharing some fun stories along the way (some were very surprising). 

Timestamps

00:58   Acknowledgment of the recent passing of the Māori King 

03:05   What languages do you speak?  

06:30   Reasons of starting to learn these languages 

14:55   Linguistics similarities between Te Reo Māori and Chinese  

17:00   Cultural connections between Māori and Chinese  

25:45   Methods: being comfortable in the uncomfortable 

30:00   Different personalities when speaking different languages 

39:00   Fun or surprising stories during the language journeys  

48:25   Advice for fellow language learners 

References

Whakataukī and Chinese proverbs that shared similar meanings appeared in this episode: 

49:20   Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū!  

              Feel the fear and do it anyway. 

50:35   Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi – engari he toa takitini.  

               成功不是依靠个人，而是依靠集体。 

               Success does not belong to one person; it comes from the collective. 

51:10    Toitū te marae a Tāne, Toitū te marae a Tangaroa, Toitū te tangata. 

                地茂、水富、则人昌盛。 

                山清水秀，人杰地灵。 

                If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.