Talk:Māori

On the one hand, this should be the main entry since it's the preferred and official spelling.

On the other hand, "Maori" is much more prevalent.

It would be nice if looking up "Maori" (without the macron) would find this entry (with the macron).


 * I don't understand how the preferred spelling of an English word can have a letter in it that doesn't exist in the English alphabet. Polyglot 16:15, 23 Mar 2004 (UTC)


 * I think "Maori" without the macron should be the main entry. The version with the macron could then redirect to the one without, where the spelling with the macron could be given as an alternative and "official" spelling.  What is meant by "official" anyhow?  Is it official in the Maori language?  Can the original poster on this Talk page provide an English source that shows it is the official spelling in English? -- Paul G 17:44, 23 Mar 2004 (UTC)


 * That was me. I was going by the text of the "Maori" entry, which says: "Prefered usage in maori text. Macrons recommended by Maori Language Commission to indicate long vowel sounds in maori words."  But you're right, that doesn't say it's a preferred English spelling.  The redirect idea is a good one, and I'll implement it.  -dmh 20:54, 23 Mar 2004 (UTC)

Hippietrail makes a very good point that Māori needs to be a headword and not a redirect for its Maori entry. I'm not sure, however, that Māori should be considered the preferred English spelling, particularly if it means duplicating text (as a software geek I have a very strong aversion to duplication, but as with the color/colour discussion can be talked into it given a convincing reason).

On the other hand, any of this is much more informative than the original "cord and softball please," which though utterly obscure to me does continue to pique my curiosity. In particular, it's made clear that the pronunciation is not "mayORee". -dmh 03:32, 24 Mar 2004 (UTC)

Pronunciation
Until a few years ago I thought that this word was pronounced something like MAO-ree (respelling guide). Then I started to hear New Zealanders saying this word in what to my ear sounded closer to mouldy or MAO-dee. I know that L and R are related sounds, but is there a tap involved in the last consonant that could explain this perception? —DIV (1.145.66.252 13:20, 24 October 2021 (UTC))