September 30th, 2020.
Culture
ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES#6:
NEW ZEALAND
by Timoteo Freitas
Our trip through English-speaking countries lands again in Oceania: today we are going to know a little more about New Zealand.
Far from everything, New Zealand is composed by two large islands - North Island and South Island -, and is home of the Kiwi, a bird that cannot fly. As I say it is always difficult to describe a country, but New Zealand is almost impossible by far.
According to the Galileu website, New Zealand is equivalent to the Brazilian state of Tocantins. In comparison with the whole Brazil, this country is quite small. However, what it offers to all its inhabitants and tourists is jaw-dropping. On the North Island, are located the capital Wellington and the most populous city in the country - Auckland, where you can find a little of everything: exuberant beaches of black sand and golden sand, small islands, forests, mountains, 48 volcanoes with tracks that take you to incredible landscapes. In addition to all this, the city is modern and open to all types of public. Still, on the North Island, it is possible to visit Rotorua, “the land of geothermal wonders”. Pools of bubbling mud, naturally heated fountains, and much more. Also in this city, Maori culture is very present. In fact, in the whole country Maori culture has its place of prominence. The Coromandel and Tairawhiti are two other tips for destinations on this side of the country.
The South Island continues to show why New Zealand is an incredible destination for any time of the year. Nature is still present everywhere. The landscapes are incredibly majestic. Clutha is home of beautiful waterfalls and beaches; Milford Sound is a breathtaking fjord; West Coast is a region of rivers and rainforests, glaciers, and geological treasures. Waitaki with mysterious rock formations and fantastic glaciers. These are some of the many places that New Zealand provides. Extreme sports are essential activities to do there - hiking, parachuting, diving, boat and helicopter tours.
As you know, New Zealand's official language is English. New Zealand English is influenced by British English and is similar to Australian English, so it has a very characteristic accent. Also, there are some different words and expressions, for example: pooped - tired, exhausted; dunny – toilet; dairy– convenience store.
Due to the great influence of the Maori culture, the Maori language is also an official language (since 1987). So, it is common to hear expressions like “Kia ora” - Hello; “Kia ora tātou” - Hello everyone; “Nau mai, haere mai” - Welcome; “Kei te pēhea koe?” - How are you?; “Tino pai” - Very good; “Ka kite anō” - See you later.
The literature of New Zealand can be represented by the book “The Bone People”, by Keri Hulme. The book winner of both a Booker Prize and Pegasus Prize for Literature, is about a female artist part Maori, part European, asexual and aromantic, a woman in exile from her family. But one day her life changes when she meets a speechless boy. The story shows interaction between the Maori people and the Pakeha, white inhabitants of New Zealand. In the cinema, New Zealand was part of many films, among them there are The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. In music, Lorde and Benee can be a good choice to listen.
New Zealand is a country with countless destinations, for all types of people and all tastes, from the most adventurous to those who just want to get some rest. In recent years, this country has also become a destination for many young people who want to make a student or work exchange, further increasing the possibilities of getting to know one more piece of our planet.
