Every Monday, I attend Kapa Haka, which is Māori's performing arts. I'm joined by about 40 Year 7/8 girls and 2 boys while learning from a Māori instructor. We began by
learning a common Māori song as the instructor strummed her guitar, leading the pubescent voices in harmony. Just when I thought singing in another language was difficult, I was handed a "poi" we use as a prop for sound and entertainment (as seen in the video below). After a few practices (and minor concussion, just kidding mom, I swear they're as soft as pillows), we were singing and "poi"-ing in unison. It was so cool! I remember just playing the hand chimes and doing a dance in gym and music, thinking that was fascinating. Traveling Tip #13: Learn the native (or other) cultures to get the full experience abroad.
Every Friday, the students are required to write a reflection letter to their teacher. The first Friday I was there, I suggested a student include a comma after his teacher's name. He replied "Why? I didn't do anything wrong!" I continued to explain he wasn't in trouble, I just wanted his to add a comma. "I don't deserve 'comma,' Miss I don't understand." I realized he thought I was saying karma, not comma. Then, after trying to pronounce it, he stated "no, Miss, I'm not in a coma...comma." By now, I don't even care if this kid puts a comma I'm just over hearing myself say the word "comma." Better luck next week *after I go and practice my English real quick*. This led me to compiling a list of words that us Americans can get easily confused by their Kiwi dialect.
Americans say "comma", Kiwis hear "coma" or "karma"
Americans say "A(h)didas", Kiwis say "Ad(d)idas"
Kiwis say "mum", Americans say "mAHm"
Americans say "KentUCKy", Kiwis say "kentoky"
Kiwis say "knackered", but Americans hear "naked" (it means exhausted)
Kiwis say "fush and chups", Americans say "fish sticks and french fries"
Americans pronounce "wh" like in "what", Kiwis, pronounce "wh" like ph, "photo"
And since we're here, here's my
Top 20 Favorite Kiwi Slang Words
(followed by my favorite video)
Gumboots (rain boots)
Jandles (flip flops)
Heaps (lots)
Chilly bin (cooler)
Hot dog (idk but NOT a hot dog)
American hot dog (hot dog)
Singlet (tank top)
Lollies (candies)
Sweet as / Cool as (agreed)
Rubbish (trash)
Tea (meal)
Jersey (sweater)
Footpath (sidewalk)
Flatmates (roommates)
Hottie (hot water bottle to cuddle with when it's chilly)
Petrol (gas)
Takeaway (to go food/carryout)
Muesli bars (granola bars)
Rubber (eraser)
Naked (exhausted)
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