Mihimihi

Te Reo and Tikaka for Ceremonial Use

Semester 2, 2010

Link to Printable Version

What is Mihimihi?

• Introductory speeches

• Traditionally take place at the beginning of a hui

• Mihimihi are generally in te reo Māori and can be given by men or women

• Individuals stand to introduce themselves by sharing their whakapapa (genealogy) and other relevant information

Function of Mihimihi

• Establishing links with other people present

• It is important for Māori to know and to share their whakapapa

– To know one’s whakapapa is to know one’s identity

Length of a Mihimihi

• Mihimihi can vary in length depending on:

– The reason for the gathering

– How well the individuals know each other

– Their links to one another

Characteristics of Mihimihi

May identify:

Waka (ancestral canoe)

Iwi (tribe)

Hapū (sub tribe)

Marae

Whānau (family)

Tūpuna / Tīpuna (ancestors)

Characteristics of Mihimihi

• This information is considered more important than the individual’s own name

– May be the last piece of information given

• Usual format is a hierarchy:

– Oldest and biggest things first

– Youngest and smallest things last

Reference

Kōrero Māori. (n.d.). Mihimihi. Accessed on July 29, 2009, from http://www.korero.maori.nz/forlearners/protocols/mihimihi.html.

Tō Koutou Mihimihi Your Mihimihi

• Personal introduction in te reo Māori

• Assessment Criteria

– Correct pronunciation

– Following set format

– Commitment to memory

• Due Date: 9 November 2010

Ko _____________ te papatūwhenua.

Mihimihi

Kei te noho au kei Ōtepoti ināianei i raro i te maru o Kai Tahu.

Mihimihi

Ko _____________ te iwi.

Mihimihi

Ko _____________ te hapū.

Mihimihi

Ko ________ rātou ko ________ , ko ________ , ko

________ kā whānau.

Mihimihi

Ko _____________ rāua ko _____________ kā taua.

Mihimihi

Ko ____________ rāua ko ____________ kā poua.

Mihimihi

Ko ____________ rāua ko ____________ kā mātua.

Mihimihi

Ko au tēnei.

Mihimihi

Ko _______________ tōhoku ikoa.

Mihimihi

Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

Mihimihi

Mihimihi – Other Sentences?

Te Mahi Kāika - Homework

• Practice your mihimihi

– Try to commit it to memory line by line

– Remember to focus on your pronunciation

– Record yourself reciting your mihimihi and listen to it in the car, at home or while you’re at your computer

– If you are stuck, email, call or visit me for some assistance