The New Zealand (Kiwi) Accent & New Zealand English Pronunciation

Summary

In this video, Ed from Lean English introduces the New Zealand accent, highlighting its similarities and differences with Australian English. The video focuses on the unique vowel sounds in New Zealand English, such as the schwa replacing the 'e' sound and front vowels being more closed. Key examples include phrases like 'the best man visits the fair' and 'a third murder.' Ed also explains the influence of the Maori language, common slang, and the rising tone used in statements (upspeak). Authentic examples from New Zealand comedians are recommended for further practice.

Takeaways

• 🇳🇿 New Zealand English, spoken by around 4 million people, has been influenced by both Maori and Australian English.
• 🗣️ The New Zealand accent has unique vowel sounds; for instance, the 'e' sound is often replaced with a schwa sound.
• 🔄 Compared to Australian English, front vowels in New Zealand English are more closed.
• 👂 For an authentic New Zealand accent, listen to comedians like Rose Matafeo, Rhys Darby, Bret McKenzie, and Jemaine Clement.
• 👄 In New Zealand English, phrases like 'the best man visits the fair' may sound like 'the best men visit the fear.'
• 🔉 The 'er' sound in New Zealand English is more closed and fronted compared to Australian English.
• 🎶 Diphthongs in New Zealand English have shifted, with sounds like 'i' starting further back and 'o' being more open and forward.
• 🧩 Many slang terms in New Zealand English, such as 'batch,' 'sweet as,' and 'jandles,' come from Maori language or are unique to New Zealand.
• 🎙️ New Zealand English often features upspeak, where the tone rises at the end of statements.
• 📝 While similar to Australian English, New Zealand English has distinct pronunciation and vocabulary, making it recognizable to those familiar with both accents.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video focuses on teaching viewers how to understand the New Zealand accent and its differences from Australian English.

What is the historical background of New Zealand English mentioned in the video?

New Zealand English has been influenced by both Polynesian settlers, with many words from the Māori language, and by Australian English, which has had the biggest impact on its pronunciation.

How does the pronunciation of the 'e' sound differ in New Zealand English compared to Australian English?

In New Zealand English, the 'e' sound is completely replaced with the schwa sound, making phrases like 'the best men' sound like 'the best men' with a schwa.

What are some key differences in front vowel pronunciation between New Zealand and Australian English?

In New Zealand English, front vowels are more closed compared to Australian English. For example, 'the best man visits the fair' would sound like 'the best men visit the fear.'

How is the 'er' sound pronounced in New Zealand English?

In New Zealand English, the 'er' sound is more closed, fronted, and rounded, while the schwa sound is more open in the final position.

What are some examples of vowel shifts in New Zealand English?

In New Zealand English, the 'i' sound starts further back, the 'a' sound starts more open, the 'uh' sound starts more forward, and the 'o' sound starts more open and finishes more forward. For example, 'they cured my toe' would sound like 'thy kier my tao.'

How are consonants pronounced in New Zealand English?

Consonants in New Zealand English are similar to those in Australian English, with the 'l' sound being dark in all contexts and the 't' sound being realized as a voiced tap between vowels when followed by an unstressed syllable.

What slang terms are unique to New Zealand English, according to the video?

Some unique slang terms in New Zealand English include 'batch' (holiday home), 'che' (thanks), 'tūkaua' (to die), 'sweet as' (good or great), and 'jandles' (sandals or flip-flops).

What is 'upspeak,' and how does it feature in New Zealand English?

'Upspeak' refers to the rising intonation at the end of statements, a common feature in New Zealand English. An example sentence using upspeak would be 'Kia ora, do you wanna left to the batch?'

What examples of authentic New Zealand accents are recommended in the video?

The video recommends listening to New Zealand comedians like Rose Matafeo, Rhys Darby, Bret McKenzie, and Jemaine Clement for authentic examples of the New Zealand accent.