Language
Unpacking The Mysteries of English Grammar
Two linguists delve into the mysteries of English grammar with their new book on more than just misplaced apostrophes - asking fundamental questions like what is good grammar or correct form anyway… Audio
Pronunciation – how to say names right!
Place names and their meanings are an important part of identity - so how do we pronounce them properly? Audio
Cook Islands language week coming to a close
Cook Islands Language week is coming to a close. Dr Ake Nicholas of Nga Pu Toru and Ma'uke is a linguist at Massey University that specialises in te reo Maori of Aotearoa and Kuki 'Airani. She speaks… Audio
Te reo Māori still at risk despite high demand for courses
On the 35th anniversary of te reo Māori becoming an official language, the Māori Language Commission is warning more work is needed to ensure its survival.
Wanted: Boston-based te reo teacher
A Kiwi Harvard student currently studying in Boston is looking for a te reo teacher. Audio
Celebrating culture, history this Kiribati Language Week
Kiribati's exit from the Pacific Island Forum has drawn the attention of global leaders, but Aotearoa's small i-Kiribati community is helping the next generation stay connected to their identity.
Slang
What’s good? Howzit? What’s up and Churrrr! It’s time to get some education on the origins of some ‘Choice as' sayings. Audio
Common childhood sound errors and how to correct
Kathryn discusses the most common sound errors among school children with speech and language therapist Christian Wright. He says it's the production of the TH sounds which causes most of the… Audio
Expert feature: Public speaking
As a nation we've traditionally idolised strong, silent types. As a result some of us want to run for the hills when faced with public speaking. Today's expert is chair of operations at Speech New… Audio
Mental wellbeing on the decline - could te reo help that?
The Covid-19 pandemic has left many feeling down in the dumps - but advocates say the use of te reo could help boost morale.
Nearly one-in-three people reported experiencing poor mental wellbeing in… Audio
Learning te reo Māori could be key in improving wellbeing for Māori
The rise in te reo Māori could be key to helping improve Māori wellbeing - among its benefits are helping give a sense of belonging.
The Finale
To wrap up this first season of Whakamāori: The Podcast, the team take a look back over all 12 episodes and recap on some of their favourite moments. Join them in their final whakamāori efforts. Video, Audio
Te Petihana Reo Māori
The petition that gave significant rise to the Māori language revitalisation movement is translated here by the Whakamāori crew. They also share their own personal reo Māori journeys and aspirations.
…International Languages
Given that Samoan Language Week has just come to and end and International Languages week is right around the corner, what better time to talk about indigenous languages? The Pacific is home to the… Audio
How to use mālō in everyday conversation - Samoa Language Week
Mālō, mālō, mālō, mālō and... mālō! RNZ social media reporter Faivaeselopepe Anric Sitanilei explains how we can incorporate the Samoan word 'mālō' into everyday conversation. Video
Pre-panel with Max Harris and Janet Wilson
Wallace and panellists Max Harris and Janet Wilson hear from associate professor at the University of Auckland's business school Bodo Lang who has spent his career studying and demystifying word of… Audio
The oddities of the English language
In Dr Arika Okrent's latest book, Highly Irregular: Why Tough, Through, and Dough Don't Rhyme - and Other Oddities of the English Language, the linguist examines the weirdness of the English language… Audio
Hokianga-London: Mahanga Mitchell taking Te Reo to the Globe
Kathryn speaks with an 18 year old from Hokianga, who translated Shakespeare into Te Reo and is now representing Aotearoa at the Globe. Mahanga Mitchell hadn't performed theatre, let alone… Audio
Does naming objects change our relationship with them?
Are you someone who gives things like your phone or car names? When we give things like cars or other important objects in our lives names, we change the way we interact with them, and we may be more… Audio
Greetings and Salutations
Charlotte Ryan is joined by Sociolingust, Julia De Bres who tonight will discuss with us 'Terms of Address'. What do you prefer Mrs or Miss? Mr or Bro? Are you Doctor - Do you use it? Do you prefer… Audio