Maori & Moriori - Asha's journey to reclaiming her reo Maori, and her efforts to awaken Ta Re Moriori

Kia ora ra e te whanau whanui! I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with my friend Asha. I've worked with Ash for the past year in reawakening the Moriori language. She shares her experience as someone that is Maori and Moriori. She speaks of her deep desire and interest in her Maori and Moriori culture. She gives us an insight into noho wananga and reo rumaki, with hopes that one day Moriori can reach that same stage.

We discuss the nuances of Ta Re, what's involved in reawakening a language deemed "extinct", the challenges, and where to start in this type of endeavour.

Asha is an excellent example to me of what language and cultural reclamation is. Language is more than just a means of communication. It holds cultural values and significance. It can give us a sense of direction and belonging in this face-paced world. Language can help shape and change our perspective, it can create new bonds and relationships.

I'm grateful to have had this opportunity to work with Asha in reawakening ta re Moriori, and to also speak with each other in our reo Maori.

If you're interested in learning Ta Re Moriori, I also run A Moriori Podcast. It is bilingual, so it's accessible to everyone. Here are some other Moriori language resources:

https://moriori.org

https://www.moriori.co.nz/resources/

Kia ora ra e te iwi! I have a Patreon where I hope to add some additional value. If you'd like the kaupapa, and you appreciate this mahi, you can give a koha here:

A Maori Podcast