New Zild - The Story of New Zealand English

45min

Documentary

Oft-derided across the dutch for its vowel-mangling pronunciation (sex fush'n'chups anyone?) and too fast-paced for tourists and Elton John to understand, is New Zealand's unique accent. Presented by Jim Mora, New Zild follows the evolution of New Zealand English, from the "colonial twang" to Billy T. Linguist Elizabeth Gordon explains the infamous HRT (High Rising Terminal) ending our sentences, and Mora interprets such phrases as 'air gun' (how are you going?). Features Lyn of Tawa in an accent face-off with Sam Neill and Judy Bailey.

Production Companies

Bright Spark Television

NZ on Air

Cast

Ginette McDonald

Ginette McDonald

Lyn of Tawa
Jim Mora

Jim Mora

Presenter
Pio Terei

Pio Terei

Subject

Release date

25th May 2005

Status

Released

Spoken languages