Google Maps has unveiled a new voice option specifically for users in New Zealand, aiming to provide a more authentic navigation experience by accurately pronouncing indigenous Māori place names. This update, made in collaboration with language experts, seeks to respect and honor the local culture by ensuring that the pronunciation of cities and towns is both correct and culturally sensitive. To access this new feature, users need to update their app and set the language preference to English (New Zealand).
The new voice leverages advances in AI technology, speaking English with a Kiwi accent while accurately pronouncing te reo Māori, the Māori language. Google collaborated with the Māori Language Commission, Te Taura Whiri, and used available data from the New Zealand Geographic Board to ensure precision in pronunciation. This voice, which starts rolling out globally today, is available on Android, iOS, Android Auto, and CarPlay. Users can experience the new voice by adjusting their app settings to English (New Zealand).
New Zealand acknowledges te reo Māori as a taonga, or treasure, being one of its two official languages alongside New Zealand Sign Language. A significant portion of the population values te reo Māori as a crucial element of the nation’s cultural identity. Correct pronunciation of names like “Taranaki” and “Whangārei” is essential for preserving this cultural heritage, according to Ngahiwi Apanui-Barr, chief executive of Te Taura Whiri. He emphasizes that proper pronunciation helps unlock the stories and histories connected to these names.
In creating this feature, concepts of Māori data sovereignty and Google’s AI Principles were integral. Initially, Te Taura Whiri will act as the kaitiaki, or guardians, of the te reo Māori lexicon. The long-term goal is to establish a group of custodians for this data, ensuring its accessibility to Māori academics, researchers, and communities, thereby supporting this ongoing mission.