Learn How to Pronounce maori

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maori

Definition:

(nou) an ethnic minority of Polynesian and Melanesian descent who speak Maori and live in New Zealand (nou) the Oceanic language spoken by the Maori in New Zealand

Examples:

According to my Indian friends, the Hindi Tike cognates to the maori Tika.

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Common mistakes of maori pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the first syllable, saying "MAO-ri" /ˈmaʊəri/. The correct stress is on the second syllable, "Maori" /məʊˈɔːri/. Tip: Remember to emphasize the second part.
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some people pronounce "Maori" with a short "a", like "MAH-ree" /ˈmɑːri/. The correct pronunciation has a long "a" sound, as in "ow" /aʊ/. Tip: Practice the "ow" sound to get it right.
  3. Omitting the "r": A common mistake is to say "Maoi" /maʊi/, dropping the "r". This changes the word entirely. Tip: Ensure to pronounce the "r" clearly, as it is an essential part of the word.
  4. Confusing "o" sounds: The "o" in "Maori" is sometimes mispronounced as a short "o", leading to "MAH-ori" /ˈmɑːəri/. The correct sound is a diphthong, similar to "ow" /aʊ/. Tip: Focus on blending the "o" and "r" sounds smoothly.
  5. Adding an extra syllable: Some learners mistakenly pronounce "Maori" as three syllables, "MAO-ri-i" /ˈmaʊəriː/. The correct pronunciation is two syllables. Tip: Practice saying it quickly to maintain the two-syllable flow.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "Maori"?

In American English, "Maori" is pronounced as /ˈmaʊəri/, with the stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is often pronounced as /ˈmɑːəri/, where the first syllable has a longer vowel sound.

What is the correct syllable breakdown for "Maori"?

The word "Maori" has two syllables, broken down as "Mao-ri". The first syllable "Mao" is pronounced with a diphthong, while the second syllable "ri" contains a schwa sound, making it quick and less stressed.

Are there any common mistakes people make when pronouncing "Maori"?

Many people mistakenly pronounce "Maori" with an emphasis on the second syllable or mispronounce the first syllable as "May". It's important to stress the first syllable correctly and use the diphthong sound to avoid these errors.

Does "Maori" have any regional pronunciation variations?

Yes, "Maori" can have slight variations depending on regional accents. In New Zealand, where the word originates, it is pronounced /ˈmaːɔri/, emphasizing the long vowel sound in the first syllable, which is distinct from the American and British pronunciations.