For the first time Lynley Dodd’s famous Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy is available in Maori. Translated by broadcaster, actor and writer, Waihoroi Shortland.
I’m liking
It’s so cool to see this Māori version of this classic children’s book. I’m sure that plenty of parents, schools and early childhood centres will snap this book up as part of their Māori language programmes. I’ve enjoyed reading it to my children and although they don’t speak Māori, they know Hairy well and could pick up the story on each page.
Translation is a tricky business – especially when there’s rhyming involved. Overall, Waihoroi Shortland handles the translation admirably. The rhyme is maintained and although there are times where you need to work a bit harder to make it scan correctly, it’s worth the effort!
The conclusion
Māori language is so important here in Aotearoa and I’m thrilled that publishers are beginning to support the development of Te Reo through the publication of more books in Te Reo. Yah for Puffin!
