Waiata

A very, very, VERY old word that is actually two words which has an extensive meaning, the modern pseudo/inaccurate meaning we know it commonly as, is song. But before the guitar the Maori word for song was aniani which actually means chant.

So I will break down the two words:

Wai (pronounced as why) =
Memory, Recollection of words, Instruction given, Water, Fishing net.

Ata (pronounced as utter, except without the rrrrr in the end,) =
Care/careful, deliberation(referring to slow and careful movement), thoroughness, gentle, slow, clear open without concealment. Deliberate. Form, shape as opposed to substance. Reflected image. Early morning/dawn

Similar to the Japanese we write our words/sentences backwards, referring to english grammar. So the pseudonym is ata wai.

So in summary:
The pronunciation is short and sharp and is said as one word without the rrrrr at the end

Waiata (why-utter) = A careful deliberation, gentle clear and open without concealment, both in form and shape done in the early mornings. Of a memory, recollection of words, or instruction given. From Our Father. aka Water of Heaven.
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Comments (6)

In what context is it used?
Sounds like a geordie saying "water"
The New Zealand band Split Enz named their beautiful sixth album Waiata in 1981. My favorite of all their many fine albums!
in todays terms it means song in english so its treated like the english word.
But when we say waiata we refer to Maori songs, by default. Well at least most of us do.and other times its mixed with english eg:

"Whats the name of that waiata again by Maroon 5?"
I've just learnt my first Maori word.
You learnt a lot more in one blog than most Maori have, the meaning at the bottom of my blog is the original meaning to the word Waiata I must stipulate this because its a meaning that requires deep thought.
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Meet the Author of this Blog
tame97

tame97

wanganui, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

I am a gentle being, that lives by two rules
Obedience and Trust.
I am an extremely gentle man that I wish I was born female. But I am a man regardless.

These two rules are Heaven based, for this is how I discovered these tworules.
I am a confi [read more]