A Comparative Stylistic Analysis of Maori People’s Haka Ka Mate and Kapao Pango

Abstract

Haka of the Maori people of the New Zealand depicts not only their culture but also the tribe’s strength, pride and the unity among Maori people. It was made as a war cry or war dance that ancient Maori people used to perform on the battlefield. This study is the comparative stylistic analysis of Ka Mate and Kapao Pango in order to compare and contrast these two Hakas in terms of linguistic features. The purpose of this study is to explore the meanings procreated by the use of the stylistic choices in the war cries of Maori people. For this purpose, the researcher has selected ancient, traditional pre-war Haka Ka Mate and another pre-match Haka of All Blacks rugby team Kapao Pango through purposive sampling technique. The researcher has conducted stylistic analysis of the selected Haka at lexical and phonological level. The researcher has used the stylistic model of Leech and Short (2007) for this study. The results of this study revealed the differences and similarities in the war cries of Maori people and the implied meanings have also been explored that show Maori’s belief of inner strength, pride, unity, sovereignty and respect towards the traditions of the ancient people.