(Fun) resources for learning

When learning a new language, I always try my best to dive in to the world of its speakers. Currently, I am looking for a cheap Māori textbook (I'm probably going to get this), but in the meantime I need to keep myself occupied with te reo in other ways. I did some research and found these great sites/programs for learning. 

Tōku reo

This series started when I was two years old. Tōku reo is an English-speaking language learning show, its name literally meaning "my language". Based on the 10 episodes I've watched, it seems like an easy way to build up vocabulary. The hosts maintain a light atmosphere and I find their methods surprisingly efficient (revision, revision, revision!). So yeah, if you don't mind the series' worn-out 2000s look and slow progression, I recommend checking it out. 

Māori+ (Whakaata Māori)

This bilingual "Netflix" of the Whakaata Māori TV channel has proven fun and useful. All movies and series have English subtitles, and the website features multiple language learning shows (Tōku reo included). And yes, there is rugby (ugh) too. 

Keep in mind that if you want to access Māori+ outside of New Zealand or Australia, you'll need to use a VPN to mask your location. I downloaded TunnelBear, because it lets me change my IP address at will. The only con with TunnelBear is that the free version comes with a limit of 2GB of browsing per account (that is enough to stream Māori+ for approximately 2 hours) To overcome this obstacle, I recommend turning on the VPN when clicking at the episode you want to watch, and then quickly deactivating it. That way it'll last virtually infinitely. In other words, a VPN is only required for opening the episode on your browser, not for watching it. 

Here's a list of some shows I've used to support my learning:

–Only in Aotearoa (comedy)

–Brain Busters (children)

–Reo Awhina (comedy)

Yeah, I'm a comedy girl.

Speak Māori

Speak Māori is intended for tamariki (children!), but it works for an older audience as well. The course is taught by an animated couple who, in my opinion, occasionally dip into the uncanny valley… However it is voiced by the real life sports commentator Te Aorere Pēwhairangi and his sister Te Ataakura. 

This course is a good start into Māori, but you'll probably want to use additional resources too. 

Ka kite anō, see you next time!