avatar language based on maori
James Cameron’s latest blockbuster, Avatar, involves a storyline surrounding a fictional alien race named Na’vi. It has been revealed that the Na’vi language was actually based on the Maori language, ‘te reo Maori’.
Cameron, along with the help of a language expert, molded the Na’vi language by mixing Maori with European and African languages.
The inspiration for [...]
Cameron, along with the help of a language expert, molded the Na’vi language by mixing Maori with European and African languages.
The inspiration for [...]
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21/01/10
by mcphee
James Cameron’s latest blockbuster, Avatar, involves a storyline surrounding a fictional alien race named Na’vi. It has been revealed that the Na’vi language was actually based on the Maori language, ‘te reo Maori’.
Cameron, along with the help of a language expert, molded the Na’vi language by mixing Maori with European and African languages.
The inspiration for using the te reo Maori came from Cameron’s visit to New Zealand a few years back where he became acquainted with and instantly admired the te reo Maori and some of the Polynesian form.
the haka
Te reo Maori was the predominant language of New Zealand until the 1800s when English settlers arrived. The turbulent past of the te reo Maori has seen it adopt an English alphabet (using only 20 letters), banned from school, brought to fame by the All Blacks in their Haka dance and celebrated nationally during Maori Language Week over July and August every year.
Want to know more? Get under the skin of the Maori culture, or get inspired on our Get Back to Nature experience.
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