Pākehā
From Freepedia
Pākehā is a word used in New Zealand to describe European New Zealanders, (those of predominantly European descent).
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The word
The word Pākehā (or Pakeha) originated in the Māori language and has become part of everyday New Zealand English. Its derivation remains not entirely clear, but its present usage originated after the sustained arrival of Europeans in New Zealand in the late 18th century. Most likely it derives from either of the words pākehakeha or pakepakehā, referring to imaginary, fair-skinned beings. Some have claimed that the word is a Maori transliteration of "bugger ya" or derives from Maori words for flea (keha) or for pig (poaka), and therefore expresses derogatory implications, but there is little or no etymological or linguistic support for these notions.
Pakeha sometimes appears pluralised in English as Pakehas, but in Maori, the plural is Pākehā: pronouns or definite articles indicate pluralisation. Pakeha is also appearing more frequently as the accepted plural in English.
Meaning
Common alternate designations for pākehā in New Zealand include "New Zealand Europeans" or "European New Zealanders" and sometimes "Caucasian New Zealanders" or "White New Zealanders". The term 'white' may have somewhat vulgar connotations, and seldom occurs. Some early European settlers who lived among the Maori became known as Pakeha Māori.
The word sometimes applies more narrowly to just New Zealanders of British or Anglo/Celtic descent. Sometimes it applies more widely to include non-Māori other than those of European descent. A trend exists to apply the term only to New Zealand-born persons of predominantly European descent, but acceptance of this notion remains still far from universal.
European New Zealanders vary in their attitude toward the word "pākehā" as applied to themelves. Some embrace it wholeheartedly as a sign of their New Zealandness, in contrast to the Europeaness of their forebears. Others object to the word, claiming it to be derogatory or to carry implications of being an outsider, though not to the same extent as the word gaijin in Japan. Those who ignore ethnic distinctions prefer to identify all New Zealand citizens only as New Zealanders.
Historian Judith Binney calls herself a Pākehā and says, "I think it is the most simple and practical term. It is a name given to us by Māori. It has no pejorative associations like people think it does — it's a descriptive term. I think it's nice to have a name the people who live here gave you, because that's what I am".
Cultural identity
Many Pākehā do not readily identify a Pākehā culture. While Maori culture has achieved wide recognition, Pakeha culture tends to be taken for granted as the norm.
Recognised aspects of Pākehā culture often receive the label of "Kiwiana". This includes icons such as the Chesdale Cheese men and the game of rugby. Pākehā and Māori culture together make up New Zealand culture.
Michael King, a leading writer on Pakeha identity, discussed the concept in his books Being Pakeha (1985) and Being Pakeha now (1999).
References
- Interview with Judith Binney, New Zealand Herald, 18 June 2005.
External links
- Further article about the word at Maorinews.com
- Otorohanga: Kiwiana Town
- Sarah Henderson's Guide to Kiwiana
