Maori vs. Aboriginal — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 29, 2023
Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Aboriginal refers to the first inhabitants of Australia or any native population.
Difference Between Maori and Aboriginal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, originating from Polynesian settlers. Their history, culture, and language have a significant influence on New Zealand society. Aboriginal, on the other hand, typically refers to the original inhabitants of Australia. These individuals have a rich history spanning over 65,000 years, with distinct cultures and languages.
The Maori have their own unique language, Te Reo Maori, which is one of New Zealand's official languages. In contrast, Aboriginal Australians have several languages, stemming from the multitude of tribes and groups on the continent. Unfortunately, many of these languages are now endangered.
Both the Maori and Aboriginal communities have faced challenges from colonization. Maori faced land confiscations and cultural suppression under British colonial rule. Similarly, Aboriginal Australians experienced dispossession, forced removals, and cultural erosion during and after the European colonization.
While both groups share the unfortunate history of colonization, their cultural expressions, beliefs, and practices differ greatly. Maori culture showcases its distinctness in haka performances, carvings, and tattoos, while Aboriginal Australians express their rich heritage through dreamtime stories, art, and music.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Indigenous to New Zealand
Indigenous to Australia
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Languages
Te Reo Maori
Multiple indigenous languages
Known For
Haka, tattoos, carvings
Dreamtime stories, art, music
Colonization Impact
Faced British colonization
Faced European colonization
Modern Recognition
Part of New Zealand's identity
Significant part of Australia's identity
Compare with Definitions
Maori
Maori refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
The Maori have a rich cultural heritage.
Aboriginal
Aboriginal pertains to the original inhabitants of Australia.
Aboriginal communities have lived in Australia for thousands of years.
Maori
Maori is the native language of the Maori people.
She spoke fluently in Maori.
Aboriginal
Aboriginal art often depicts dreamtime stories and landscapes.
She bought an Aboriginal painting from the local gallery.
Maori
Maori values emphasize community, family, and land.
Land holds great significance in Maori culture
Aboriginal
Aboriginal land rights have been a significant issue in Australia.
The government discussed the Aboriginal land rights claim.
Maori
Maori culture includes unique traditions, dances, and art.
The haka is a traditional Maori dance.
Aboriginal
Aboriginal beliefs are deeply connected to the Australian landscape.
Dreamtime stories explain Aboriginal connections to the land.
Maori
Maori tribal groups or "iwi" play a significant role in New Zealand's society.
The local iwi were consulted for the project.
Aboriginal
Having existed in a region from the beginning
Aboriginal forests.
Maori
A member of a people of New Zealand, of Polynesian-Melanesian ancestry.
Aboriginal
Of or relating to an indigenous people of a given region.
Maori
The Austronesian language of the Maori.
Aboriginal
Often Aboriginal Of or relating to the indigenous peoples of Australia.
Maori
Of or relating to the Maori or their language or culture.
Aboriginal
Also Aboriginal A member of an indigenous people of a given region.
Maori
One of the aboriginal inhabitants of New Zealand; also, the original language of New Zealand.
Aboriginal
First according to historical or scientific records; original; indigenous; primitive.
Maori
An ethnic minority speaking Maori and living in New Zealand
Aboriginal
Living in a land before colonization by the Europeans.
Maori
The Oceanic language spoken by the Maori people in New Zealand
Aboriginal
Alternative case form of Aboriginal
Aboriginal
An animal or plant native to a region.
Aboriginal
Alternative case form of Aboriginal
Aboriginal
First; original; indigenous; primitive; native; as, the aboriginal tribes of America.
Aboriginal
Of or pertaining to aborigines; as, a Hindu of aboriginal blood.
Aboriginal
An original inhabitant of any land; one of the aborigines.
Aboriginal
An animal or a plant native to the region.
It may well be doubted whether this frog is an aboriginal of these islands.
Aboriginal
A dark-skinned member of a race of people living in Australia when Europeans arrived
Aboriginal
Being or composed of people inhabiting a region from the beginning;
Native Americans
The aboriginal peoples of Australia
Aboriginal
Having existed from the beginning; in an earliest or original stage or state;
Aboriginal forests
Primal eras before the appearance of life on earth
The forest primeval
Primordial matter
Primordial forms of life
Aboriginal
Aboriginal cultures have distinct languages and traditions.
The didgeridoo is an Aboriginal musical instrument.
Common Curiosities
Who are the Aboriginal people?
They are the original inhabitants of Australia.
Are Maori tattoos significant?
Yes, they hold cultural and personal significance.
Did both Maori and Aboriginal people face colonization?
Yes, Maori by the British and Aboriginal people by Europeans.
What's a significant Maori dance?
The haka.
Who are the Maori?
The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
How many languages do Aboriginal Australians speak?
Historically, there were hundreds, but many are now endangered.
What are Maori "iwi"?
They are tribal groups or clans within the Maori community.
Is Te Reo Maori a widely spoken language?
It's one of New Zealand's official languages, spoken by the Maori community and taught in schools.
What is dreamtime in Aboriginal culture?
It's a complex worldview detailing the origins and cosmology of the Aboriginal people.
What's a known Aboriginal musical instrument?
The didgeridoo.
Is there a Maori political representation in New Zealand?
Yes, Maori have designated parliamentary seats and significant political influence.
Is Maori culture influential in New Zealand today?
Absolutely, it's integral to New Zealand's identity.
What challenges do Aboriginal Australians face today?
Issues include land rights, cultural preservation, and social inequalities.
Do Aboriginal people have a unique art style?
Yes, often characterized by dot paintings and depictions of dreamtime stories.
Do both communities value land?
Yes, land holds immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for both Maori and Aboriginal people.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
