Black Sheep Musket Missionary: the story of Thomas Kendall (Part 2)
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Sep 5, 2024 Dive into the intriguing life of Thomas Kendall, a missionary who returned from England with the first written dictionary of Te Reo Māori alongside a controversial arsenal of muskets. Discover the linguistic advancements he inspired, sparking a surge in Māori literacy that outpaced many Europeans. Explore his conflict between Christian beliefs and Māori spirituality, and his complexities during tumultuous times, revealing a man struggling with personal and cultural upheaval while leaving an unexpected legacy in the wake of colonial interactions.
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Revolutionary Spelling System
- Kendall's Māori dictionary used specific letters for specific Māori sounds, not English ones.
- This system, with five vowels and eight consonants, is still used today.
Hongi Hika's Motives
- Hongi Hika travelled to England to assess the risks and opportunities posed by Europeans.
- He also sought muskets, trading gifts and purchasing them from Baron Charles de Thierry.
CMS Ordains Kendall
- A letter from Marsden accusing Kendall of musket trading reached the Church Missionary Society (CMS).
- Despite concerns, CMS ordained Kendall, recognizing his linguistic skills and Hongi Hika's support.