| Abstract [eng] |
This research explores the intergenerational differences in the use and pronunciation of te reo Māori loanwords within New Zealand English. By examining four generational groups—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—the study identifies notable variations in both the frequency and diversity of Māori loanwords. Baby Boomers and Gen X participants had longer interview durations and used more loanwords overall, but with less diversity. Millennials displayed a surprising decrease in loanword frequency, possibly due to shorter interview durations and different educational or occupational backgrounds. Gen Z demonstrated the highest diversity of loanwords, indicating a broader lexicon. Pronunciation analysis revealed a trend towards increased use of authentic Māori pronunciation among younger generations, with Baby Boomers showing the highest percentage of anglicised pronunciations and Gen Z the lowest. This shift reflects changing sociolinguistic attitudes and greater acceptance of te reo Māori, especially among younger people. The study aimed to uncover significant generational differences in the frequency, diversity, and pronunciation of te reo Māori loanwords and to understand how these differences reflect early language contact and sociolinguistic attitudes. The results showed that generational shifts in language exposure and attitudes significantly influence the use and pronunciation of te reo Māori loanwords. Younger generations, exposed to te reo Māori through education and media, show greater acceptance of the language and an increased effort to produce loanwords as authentic to the original phonology. This research highlights the dynamic nature of NZE as it increasingly incorporates elements of te reo Māori, demonstrating successful integration and revitalisation efforts. These findings contribute valuable insights into language contact, indigenous language revitalisation, and sociolinguistics, emphasising the evolving relationship between NZE and te reo Māori within New Zealand's post-colonial context. |
