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Pacific Island Language Trivia Quiz

This is designed to encourage you to increase your knowledge of other languages. It is based on what I have learned from 13 years in New Zealand, coming from England.

A multiple-choice quiz by saruman. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
saruman

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
162,388

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
368

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The New Zealand Maori word for "love" is? Hint

aloha

talofa

aro'a

aroha

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Question 2 of 10

2. A "marae" is a? Hint

pub

meeting house

sports ground

church

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Question 3 of 10

3. Of the Northern Cook Island Group, Penrhyn has also a Cook Island name. What is it? Hint

Tongareva

Rarotonga

Suwarrow

Manahiki

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Question 4 of 10

4. In standard (Rarotongan) Cook Island Maori the word for "no" is "kare", on which island is it "e'i"?
Hint

Atiu

Aitutaki

Suwarrow

Mangaia

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which Pacific island language is most closely related to New Zealand Maori language? Hint

Niuean

Tongan

Cook Island Maori

Samoan

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Question 6 of 10

6. What is a "kumara"? Hint

banana

idiot

sweet potato

Australian

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Question 7 of 10

7. If you were given a "tivaevae", you would do which of the following with it? Hint

Smoke it

Eat it

Sleep under it

Use it as fishing bait

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Question 8 of 10

8. Where would you expect to be greeted with "Talofa"? Hint

Chile

New Zealand

Easter Island

Samoa

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Question 9 of 10

9. If a New Zealand Maori requested you to "hongi", would you expect to do? Hint

touch noses

dance

have a traditional feast

go away

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Question 10 of 10

10. In the New Zealand Maori language what means "farewell" and is said to the person(s) departing? Hint

haere ra

hei konei ra

e noho ra

hei kona ra

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The New Zealand Maori word for "love" is?

Answer: aroha

Across the Pacific the languages vary, but some words are closely related in origin, if not in exact meaning.

2. A "marae" is a?

Answer: meeting house

A "marae" is the traditional meeting place for Maori. Usually, strict protocol is to be observed when invited onto a "marae".

3. Of the Northern Cook Island Group, Penrhyn has also a Cook Island name. What is it?

Answer: Tongareva

Fifteen islands form the Cook Island Group.

4. In standard (Rarotongan) Cook Island Maori the word for "no" is "kare", on which island is it "e'i"?

Answer: Mangaia

My wife is from Mangaia. If anyone wants to argue this one, I'll pass it to her. I hope you can type or speak Mangaian! Mangaia was never conquered because they were too fierce. I know, I am married to one!

5. Which Pacific island language is most closely related to New Zealand Maori language?

Answer: Cook Island Maori

In the Cook Island alphabet the "v" replaces the "w" in New Zealand Maori. The NZ maori "h" is replaced by what is called a "glottal stop", usually represented by an apostrophe, which just means a very short silence where the 'consonant' would be.
Compare the numbers below (number, NZ Maori, CI Maori):

one, "tahi", "ta'i",
two, "rua", "rua",
three, "toru", "toru",
four, "wha", "a",
five, "rima", "rima",
six, "ono", "ono",
seven, "whitu", "itu",
eight, "waru", "varu",
nine, "iva", "iva".

6. What is a "kumara"?

Answer: sweet potato

"Kumara" is thought to have been transported from Peru to the Pacific Islands.

7. If you were given a "tivaevae", you would do which of the following with it?

Answer: Sleep under it

"Tivaevae" is a traditional art form of the Cook Islands. A form of applique bedspread, usually sewn by hand, used as a wedding gift.

8. Where would you expect to be greeted with "Talofa"?

Answer: Samoa

Very similar to the Hawaiian "Aloha".

9. If a New Zealand Maori requested you to "hongi", would you expect to do?

Answer: touch noses

The "hongi" is, to me, best described as something between a handshake and a kiss, an indication of acceptance.
The feast is a "hangi", food cooked under earth over hot stones, slightly reminiscent of potatoes baked in the ashes of a bonfire, but much better.

10. In the New Zealand Maori language what means "farewell" and is said to the person(s) departing?

Answer: haere ra

"E noho ra", "Hei konei ra" and "Hei kona ra" would be said to the person(s) staying.

Source: Author saruman

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor thejazzkickazz before going online.
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