In comparing the semantic structures of Maori and English, differences were found between the two languages in the way in which binary complements partition the universe of discourse. Furthermore, these structural principles which differed for Maori and English turned out to be contingent upon the separate development of the two languages and transferable from one language to the other by the native speakers of each language. As a consequence, it is possible to explain how Maori and Pakeha interpretations of society can differ considerably even when English is the only medium of communication used. Two examples were taken to demonstrate that this hypothesis can lead to alternative interpretations of both traditional and contemporary social situations. Firstly, Maori semantic structures can provide an alternative and parsimonious account of the canoe traditions and secondly, it raises interesting possibilities for a reconsideration of the educational processes which are important to Maori people both within their own social context and within the state education system.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/217662 |
| Date | January 1981 |
| Creators | Montgomery, R. E. (Robert Edward), n/a |
| Publisher | University of Otago. Department of Anthropology |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://policy01.otago.ac.nz/policies/FMPro?-db=policies.fm&-format=viewpolicy.html&-lay=viewpolicy&-sortfield=Title&Type=Academic&-recid=33025&-find), Copyright R. E. (Robert Edward) Montgomery |
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