Whakapapa- Where are you from ?

Whakapapa Māori pronunciation, or genealogy, is a fundamental principle that permeates the whole of Māori culture. However, it is more than just a genealogical 'device'. It is in fact a paradigm of cultural discourse and provides the basis for establishing, enhancing, and even challenging relationships between individuals, whanau (families), hapū (local tribal entities) and iwi (regional tribal bodies)

The recitation of whakapapa is a critical element in establishing identity - and the phrase 'Ko Steven au' (I am Steven') is in fact the personal statement that incorporates (by implication) over 25 generations of heritage.[citation needed] Experts in whakapapa can trace and recite a lineage not only through the many generations in a linear sense, but also between such generations in a lateral sense.Many physiological terms are also genealogical in 'nature'. For example, the terms 'iwi', 'hapu', and 'whanau' (as noted above) can also be translated in order as 'bones', 'pregnant', and 'give birth'. The prize winning Māori author, Keri Hulme, named her best known novel as The Bone People: a title linked directly to the dual meaning of the word 'iwi as both 'bone' and '[tribal] people'.

Most formal orations (or whaikorero) begin with the "nasal" expression - Tihei Mauriora! This is translated as the 'Sneeze of Life'. In effect, the orator (whose 'sneeze' reminds us of a newborn clearing his or her airways to take the first breath of life) is announcing that 'his' speech has now begun, and that his 'airways' are clear enough to give a suitable oration.

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[lindaheenan]

Is it possible to take out the background music? I can't hear the words well enough.

[losheen]

it is your geneology who you descend from to explain your turangawaewae how you connect to a certain marae(land), rohe(area), Iwi(family), hapu(tribe), waka(canoe)maunga(mountain), awa(river).so that you Can Stand proud knowing who your ancestral background came from and to help others know whom you descend. Becareful tho you may say the wrong thing to the people for whom you are explaining it to as there maybe still some bad things still unresolved from the past. UTU(payback) is a bitch, ! kia ora