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Plural personal pronouns Exercises in Maori language

Students extracting linguistic insights from texts.

Plural personal pronouns play a crucial role in the Maori language, helping to distinguish between different groups of people in conversation and written communication. Unlike English, which has a limited set of plural pronouns, Maori offers a rich variety of pronouns to denote inclusivity and exclusivity, as well as different numbers of people. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective communication and for showing respect and cultural awareness when speaking Maori. In Maori, the plural personal pronouns are divided into three categories: inclusive, exclusive, and dual. Inclusive pronouns include both the speaker and the listener, while exclusive pronouns refer to the speaker and others, excluding the listener. Additionally, the dual pronouns specify exactly two people, which is a unique feature not present in English pronouns. Mastering these nuances will not only enhance your linguistic skills but also deepen your appreciation for Maori culture and its intricate ways of expressing human relationships.

Exercise 1

1. *Mātou* are going to the beach (we, excluding the listener). 2. The teacher gave the books to *rātou* (they, more than two people). 3. *Tātou* will attend the meeting tomorrow (we, including the listener). 4. *Māua* have finished our homework (we, excluding the listener, two people). 5. Can *koutou* help me with this task? (you all, more than two people). 6. *Kōrua* need to be on time for class (you two). 7. *Rāua* are visiting their grandparents this weekend (they, two people). 8. *Tāua* should go to the market together (we, including the listener, two people). 9. The coach congratulated *koutou* for winning the game (you all, more than two people). 10. *Mātou* will bring the food for the party (we, excluding the listener).

Exercise 2

1. *Mātou* are going to the beach (we, more than two people, excluding the listener). 2. *Rātou* are playing in the park (they, more than two people). 3. *Koutou* are invited to the party (you, more than two people). 4. *Māua* will go to the movies tomorrow (we, two people, excluding the listener). 5. *Kōrua* are working on the project together (you, two people). 6. *Tātou* need to finish our homework (we, more than two people, including the listener). 7. *Rāua* are coming over for dinner tonight (they, two people). 8. *Tāua* should meet up later (we, two people, including the listener). 9. *Kōrua* are responsible for cleaning the room (you, two people). 10. *Mātou* have completed the assignment (we, more than two people, excluding the listener).

Exercise 3

1. *Māua* are going to the beach (dual pronoun: we two, not including the listener). 2. *Rātou* are playing in the park (plural pronoun: they, three or more). 3. *Koutou* need to finish your homework (plural pronoun: you all, more than two people). 4. *Mātou* are learning the Maori language (plural pronoun: we, not including the listener). 5. *Tātou* will have a meeting tomorrow (plural pronoun: we, including the listener). 6. *Kōrua* need to hurry up (dual pronoun: you two). 7. *Rāua* are visiting their grandparents (dual pronoun: they two). 8. *Tātou* should respect our elders (plural pronoun: we, including the listener). 9. *Mātou* are planning a surprise party (plural pronoun: we, not including the listener). 10. *Koutou* must listen carefully (plural pronoun: you all, more than two people).