# Māori

> Polynesian language spoken in New Zealand

**Wikidata**: [Q36451](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36451)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Māori_language)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maori

## Summary
Māori is a Polynesian language spoken in New Zealand, serving as the official language of the country alongside English. It is a natural language, distinct from constructed or formal languages, and has been revitalized since the 1970s as part of New Zealand's dual cultural heritage. The language is recognized as *te reo Māori* and is taught in schools nationwide, reflecting its growing prominence in the nation's identity.

## Key Facts
- **Language Type**: Natural language spoken by humans, distinct from constructed and formal languages.
- **Modern Language**: Currently in use, with revitalization efforts since the 1970s.
- **Official Status**: Recognized as an official language of New Zealand since 1987.
- **Language Family**: Part of the Tahitic language family.
- **Speakers**: Indigenous to New Zealand, with revitalization efforts increasing its speaker base.
- **Geographic Origin**: Spoken in New Zealand, an island country in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
- **ISO 639-1 Code**: "mi" (Māori language).
- **ISO 639-2 Code**: "mao" (Māori language).
- **ISO 639-3 Code**: "mri" (Māori language).
- **Glottolog Code**: "maor1246".
- **Ethnologue Code**: "mao".
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1341687.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -42°, Longitude 173° (approximate).
- **Country of Origin**: New Zealand.
- **Part of**: Tahitic language family.
- **Instance of**: Language, Polynesian language, Indigenous language of New Zealand.
- **Subclass of**: Austronesian language, Oceanic language.
- **Sitelink Count**: 126 (Wikipedia links).
- **Aliases**: Māori language, Maori, Maori language, te reo Māori, reo Māori, te reo.

## FAQs
**What is the official status of Māori in New Zealand?**
Māori is an official language of New Zealand, recognized alongside English. It was declared official in 1987 and is taught in schools nationwide as part of the country's dual cultural heritage.

**How is Māori classified linguistically?**
Māori is a Polynesian language belonging to the Tahitic language family. It is a natural language, distinct from constructed or formal languages, and is part of the broader Austronesian and Oceanic language classifications.

**What efforts have been made to revitalize Māori?**
Since the 1970s, Māori has undergone revitalization efforts, including its declaration as an official language in 1987 and widespread teaching in New Zealand schools. The language is now taught to millions of speakers.

**What are the ISO codes for Māori?**
Māori uses the following ISO codes: ISO 639-1 "mi," ISO 639-2 "mao," and ISO 639-3 "mri." It also has a Glottolog code "maor1246" and an Ethnologue code "mao."

**How is Māori spoken in New Zealand today?**
Māori is spoken as *te reo Māori* in New Zealand, with revitalization efforts increasing its speaker base. It is taught in schools and recognized as part of the country's cultural identity.

## Why It Matters
Māori matters as a vital component of New Zealand's cultural identity, reflecting the country's dual heritage of Māori and European influences. Its revitalization since the 1970s has strengthened its role in national education and public life, ensuring its survival and growth. As an official language, Māori contributes to New Zealand's democratic governance and progressive social policies, fostering inclusivity and cultural pride. Its linguistic and cultural significance is celebrated globally, particularly through its representation in media, education, and international forums.

## Notable For
- **Official Language Status**: First Polynesian language to be declared official in a sovereign nation (New Zealand, 1987).
- **Cultural Revival**: Leading the revitalization of an indigenous language in a modern, multicultural society.
- **Educational Integration**: Taught in schools nationwide, ensuring its preservation and growth.
- **Global Recognition**: Recognized in international standards (ISO 639-1, ISO 639-2, ISO 639-3).
- **Linguistic Classification**: Part of the Tahitic language family, contributing to broader Austronesian and Oceanic linguistic studies.
- **Cultural Symbol**: Represented in New Zealand's national identity, including its flag, coat of arms, and national anthem.

## Body
### Language Classification and Status
Māori is a Polynesian language belonging to the Tahitic language family, which is part of the broader Austronesian and Oceanic language classifications. It is a natural language, distinct from constructed or formal languages, and is recognized as *te reo Māori* in New Zealand. The language was declared an official language in 1987 and is taught in schools nationwide, reflecting its growing prominence in the country's cultural identity.

### ISO Codes and Standards
Māori uses the following ISO codes:
- ISO 639-1: "mi" (Māori language).
- ISO 639-2: "mao" (Māori language).
- ISO 639-3: "mri" (Māori language).
- Glottolog Code: "maor1246".
- Ethnologue Code: "mao".

### Geographic and Cultural Context
Māori is spoken in New Zealand, an island country in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The language is indigenous to New Zealand and has been revitalized since the 1970s. It is part of the Tahitic language family and is recognized as *te reo Māori* in the country's cultural and educational systems.

### Revitalization Efforts
Since the 1970s, Māori has undergone significant revitalization efforts, including its declaration as an official language in 1987. The language is now taught in schools nationwide, ensuring its preservation and growth. These efforts have increased its speaker base and strengthened its role in New Zealand's cultural identity.

### Related Entities
- **Tahitic Language Family**: Māori is part of this broader linguistic classification.
- **New Zealand**: The country where Māori is spoken and recognized as an official language.
- **ISO Standards**: Recognized in international standards for language classification.

### Linguistic and Cultural Significance
Māori holds significant linguistic and cultural importance in New Zealand. It is taught in schools, recognized in international standards, and celebrated as part of the country's dual heritage. The language's revitalization has ensured its survival and growth, contributing to New Zealand's cultural diversity and identity.

## References

1. [ScriptSource - New Zealand](https://scriptsource.org/country/NZ)
2. [Source](https://iso639-3.sil.org/code/mri)
3. [Language](https://op.europa.eu/web/eu-vocabularies/at-dataset/-/resource/dataset/language)
4. Nuovo soggettario
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Māori, A Linguistic Introduction
7. [Source](https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/census-results-reflect-aotearoa-new-zealands-diversity)
8. [World Atlas of Language Structures](http://wals.info/languoid/lect/wals_code_mao)
9. [Source](https://github.com/unicode-org/cldr/blob/main/common/main/mi.xml)
10. [Red Book of Endangered Languages](http://www.unesco.org/languages-atlas/en/atlasmap/language-id-702.html)
11. [Ethnologue](https://www.ethnologue.com/language/mri)
12. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1297.02008?OpenDocument)
13. FactGrid
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
15. KBpedia
16. GF WordNet