HE ITI TE KUPU: Māori Metaphors and Similes

Summary

He Iti te Kupu contains nearly 500 sayings that draw a comparison between something (often the natural world) and people, events or contexts. Written in Māori and English, this accessible guide explains the use, meaning and context of a host of the principal figures of speech in te reo. Divided into themes, including birds of the land and sea, parts of the body, acknowledgements, animals and insects. The title derives from the proverb, ‘The words are small, yet their meanings are substantial,’ highlighting the importance of these sayings in the landscape of Māori language learning and speaking. This volume will be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to use Māori figures of speech — whether in te reo or English — as well as students and speakers of the language.