Foreign languages

CONCLUSION.

In the two corpora the Maori vocabulary is not as frequent as it could have been expected in view of 10% of Maori people in the population. Especially the fact that, in a large majority, the Maori expression are used by Maoris themselves does not give the impression that the influence of Maori vocabulary on New Zealand English is great. Even the Maoris seem to have lost the majority of their old language or, at least, do not use it frequently. It has to be pointed out that both corpora have been collected in the late 80ie s and the early 90ies. It is possible that the Maori Language Act (1987), which gave official status to the Maori language, did not show immediately an effect. It would be interesting to see whether nowadays the Maori language is more common throughout all styles of speech and throughout all groups of speakers than in the late 80ies and early 90ies. ¹³ This is what one would suppose after searching current newspaper catalogues. Here, it seems that Maori vocabulary appears much more frequently than in the corpora. The problem is that the material to be searched in is rather small. Another possibility would be to create a current corpus, just like the FROWN and FLOB Corpora as updates for the BROWN and LOB Corpora. In conclusion, the English language of New Zealand has a unique pronunciation, vocabulary and grammatical structure. The accent is known for its distinct vowel sounds and the use of the glottal stop. The vocabulary includes words and phrases that are unique to New Zealand, such as "jandals" for flip-flops and "bach" for a holiday home. The grammatical structure is similar to British English, but with some differences in usage and sentence structure. Overall, the English language of New Zealand reflects the country's cultural identity and history, and continues to evolve with the changing times. One notable aspect of the English language in New Zealand is the distinctive accent, which is often referred to as a "Kiwi accent". This accent is characterized by a unique pronunciation of certain vowels and consonants, as well as a distinctive intonation pattern. The Kiwi accent has been shaped by a variety of factors, including the influence of Māori language and culture, as well as the country's isolation from other English-speaking countries. Another interesting feature of the English language in New Zealand is the use of colloquialisms and slang. Many of these expressions are unique to New Zealand, and reflect the country's distinctive culture and way of life. For example, the term "bach" (pronounced "batch") is used to refer to a small holiday home or beach house, while "jandals" are a type of footwear that are similar to flip-flops. Overall, the English language in New Zealand is a dynamic and constantly evolving aspect of the country's cultural identity. As New Zealand continues to embrace its diverse heritage and build a more inclusive society, the English language spoken in the country will undoubtedly continue to reflect these changes and developments. Furthermore, the English language of New Zealand has been influenced by the indigenous Māori language, with many Māori words and phrases being integrated into everyday speech. This reflects the country's commitment to embracing its diverse cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity.¹⁴ Additionally, the use of English in New Zealand has been shaped by the country's colonial history and its relationship with Britain. However, as New Zealand continues to develop its own unique identity, the English language spoken in the country is also evolving and adapting to reflect this. Ultimately, the English language of New Zealand is a reflection of the country's rich cultural history and its ongoing journey towards a more diverse and inclusive future. In conclusion, the New Zealand variant of English language is a unique and distinct form of the English language. It has its own pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling conventions that set it apart from other variants of English. The regional variations within New Zealand also add to the richness and diversity of this language. Further research into this topic can help to deepen our understanding of how language evolves and adapts in different cultural contexts. In academic conclusion, the New Zealand variant of English language is an important area of study for linguists and scholars interested in understanding how language variation and change occur within different cultural contexts. The unique features of this variant, such as its pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling conventions, offer insights into the complex ways in which language is shaped by social, historical, and geographical factors. Moreover, the regional variations within New Zealand highlight the diversity and richness of this language, which continues to evolve and adapt over time. Further research in this area can help to deepen our understanding of the complex processes that underlie language variation and change, and shed light on the ways in which language reflects and shapes cultural identity.