1997/03/01 by Janet Holmes · 3 citations
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Linguistic Variation and Morphology #Multilingual Education and Policy #Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies
paper · doi:10.1017/s0047404500019412
openalex publication_date 1997/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/10
ABSTRACT Aspects of the extent and nature of the influence of the Maori language on English in New Zealand are explored here within a broad sociolinguistic framework. The current sociolinguistic distribution of Maori and English in New Zealand society is described, and typical users and uses of the variety known as Maori English are identified. Characteristics of Maori English are outlined as background to a detailed examination of the distribution of three phonological features among speakers of Pakeha (European) and Maori background. These features appear to reflect the influence of the Maori language, and could be considered substratum features in a variety serving to signal Maori identity or positive attitudes toward Maori values. Moreover, Maori English may be a source of innovation in the New Zealand English (NZE) of Pakehas, providing features which contribute to the distinctiveness of NZE compared with other international varieties. (Social dialectology, ethnic identity, Maori English, New Zealand English, language change)