How do you pronounce Whanau?

[Avalon]

This is the Maori word for extended family. Im likely to have to have to say it a lot tommorrow - and I would like to at least attempt to get it right.

Any hints????

I would dearly appreciate any help.

Thank you

Hxxx

[Diny]

It's pronounced 'far now'.

Hope this helps.

Diny

[Avalon]

Oh - thats easy then

Do I feel stoopid now or what!

[ENZ]

It's pronounced 'far now'.

Hope this helps.

Diny

That's a completely silent r.

[Lupin]

I'd been pronouncing it with a hard "a", i.e. fa (as in fat)- noo (as in noose), so I was a bit far from the correct pronunciation....more swatting required for me!!

[Diny]

The only reason I know this is because a Kiwi mate of ours calls our truck the whanau wagon. I wonder whether I'll ever get my head around some of the pronunciations.

Diny

[sizzlingbadger]

I have a great way of learning lots of Maori words. Music with my 2 year old We usually have a few songs each week totally sung in Maori. By far the favourite is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, it sounds beautiful sung in Maori.

Also being at Play Centre we have to be able to say a few words although mine are lacking some what My 3 year old is also learning Te Reo at kindy and passes some of the words on to me, great way to learn them.

[Diny]

My kids are getting really good - they know the Maori word for many everyday things and can even say a few sentances. My eldest has been able to count from 1 to 10 in Maori since a very early age. I think it's a beautiful language - and I love the people too.

Diny

[jodieinchch]

its actually pronounced 'far-no' . common misconception. the things we learn at teachers college!!!

[StevieD]

I think it is lovely that the kids learn Maori too. Nothing wrong with that. It seems we are in for interesting times when we get there, but I expect I, along with so many others, will struggle with the pronunciations.