A while ago I heard a series of Bob Marley songs which had been translated into Maori. After an extensive search I gave up trying to find out who the genius’s were that had done this.
One Sunday while having a lay in, my partner and I were watching a documentary on the impact Maori music has had on the world over the ages. During this doco there was a segment on Ruia and Ranea. During this segment it was discussed how they came up with the concept to translate Bob Marley as a tribute to the man who inspired millions of people to stand up for what they believe.
While I was listening to this, I made a valuable discovery. What is the best way to make people learn a language?
The simple answer is through music. People learn through doing things that are fun.
I don’t know my own language, in all honesty. But I know most of the songs (in English) that come from this compilation album.
On the album are such songs as 3 little birds, One love, Jammin, amongst other Marley classics.
The tunes are well known throughout the reggae communities. They are songs we all sang as youngsters whie sitting behind the bike sheds smoking cigarettes at lunchtime. I figure that one way to learn our language, which could work for me (and maybe other people), is to listen to these songs in our native language and already knowing the pakehatia (english translation) it might help me learn something.
This site has the album if you want to take a listen. (Registration is required, but free.) http://www.imeem.com/manuabu/playlist/Gqiu53pn/ruia_ranea_maori_reggae_music_playlist/
I seriously advise anyone who is even remotely interested in Bob Marley to take a listen and leave feedback on what you think of this compilation. Anyone who is interested in learning some of the Maori language should also listen to these songs.
I have found the following sites interesting as well regarding Ruia and Ranea
http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/ruia___ranea_8256
http://www.ruia.co.nz/profile.cfm
