Brain health - did you know one of the best ways to keep your brain young is to learn a language?
The adult brain can change and grow as a result of learning a second language.
Research has shown that it increases gray matter volume which is a good indicator of brain health, as well as affecting white matter which allows messages to travel faster and more efficiently along the nerve network for better communication. It has also been shown to create a delay in the onset of dementia in seniors.
Learning te reo Māori and te ao Māori is a slow but ongoing process for me, and one I am committed to. And, it’s not for the reasons of brain health, more for the reason of doing my bit to help decolonise Aotearoa! But…how cool that I can age well in the process!
Ashamedly, I never learned our national anthem in Māori. It was never taught when I was at school, and until now, I never took the time to learn it.
Today I can happily say that I can confidently join in. I know the words off by heart, I can correctly pronounce them, I know what they mean. I just need to work on the getting in tune part right ;)
It was hard. And it took me about a month to really nail it but it was worth the effort. Did you know frustration is all part of your neural pathways making change. If you get past that part of wanting to give up then you are heading in the right direction!
I honestly believe it is up to all New Zealanders to know how to sing Aotearoa’s national anthem in Māori.
Do you know our anthem in Māori? Are you up for the challenge? Extra benefit is getting younger and decolonising at the same time!