Possessive pronouns in te reo Māori can be confusing. In this episode of Taringa, Paraone and Te Puaheiri kōrero about the language rules of “A” and “O” categories within te reo and take us on a journey through many examples of this ever-confusing kaupapa.
Listen to the episode and try the activities below!
For beginners
Paraone and Te Puaheiri use the model of the wheke (octopus) and its kawekawe (tentacles) to remember the types of things that belong in the “O” category.
- Create some toi (art) to help you remember each kawekawe, including examples of each.
- Hang your toi where you can revisit it throughout the week until you know all the kawekawe by heart.
- If you’re feeling brave, share a photo of your toi on Facebook or Instagram and tag Mahuru Māori! #mahurumāori #mōtereo
For intermediate speakers
Paraone and Te Puaheiri wānanga about some exceptions to the rules of the kawekawe.
- Pick one example, or think of your own, and make a video to demonstrate why it’s an exception.
- Share your video with whānau or a friend to help them understand.
- If you’re feeling brave, share your video on social media and tag Mahuru Māori! #mahurumāori #mōtereo
For advanced speakers
Toward the end of this episode, Paraone and Te Puaheiri kōrero about how changing between A and O can change the meaning of the sentence.
- Pick one example, or think of your own, and write a short matapaki/dialogue including both the A and O sentences.
- Share your kōrero with whānau and friends.
- If you’re feeling brave, share on social media and tag Mahuru Māori! #mahurumāori #mōtereo
