It may be argued that vocabulary and diction is evolutionary, and due to social dynamics the usage of diction has also changed as new words are added. Some
words lose their original meaning and some merely become a symbol or an icon to represent something or someone.
Maori language, too, has gone through an evolutionary process, particularly following colonisation and exposure to English, the dominant language. However we suggest
that Maori culture, way of life and history are integral components of the Maori language. Therefore literal translation into English does not fully reflect the meaning of a word(s). In other words, it is essential to interpret Maori words in their cultural context rather than direct dictionary equivalent.