Nonprofit works with language expert to create a Māori word for misophonia
Māuiui rorongo ā-taringa, the Māori word for misophonia
In a groundbreaking initiative, soQuiet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to misophonia advocacy and support, has partnered with renowned Māori language expert Keri Opai to develop a Māori term for misophonia. This collaboration represents a significant step towards increasing awareness and understanding of this misundersood disorder within the Māori community and far beyond.
The Importance of Cultural Inclusivity
Misophonia, a condition characterized by strong physiological reactions to specific sounds which can have a major impact on the lives of people who struggle with it, has long lacked representation in many indigenous languages. soQuiet recognized the need to bridge this linguistic gap.
After learning of the work being done by Māori language expert, Keri Opai, on other conditions, soQuiet reached out to see if Opai could help create a word, too, for misophonia.
By creating a Māori word for misophonia, the organization aims to foster greater inclusivity and facilitate more effective communication about the condition within Māori-speaking communities.
Keri Opai: A Visionary in Māori Language
Keri Opai, known for his expertise in developing Māori terminology for mental health concepts, was the perfect collaborator for this project. His previous work includes creating Māori terms for various psychological conditions, such as ADHD, eating disorders, and addiction, making him uniquely qualified to tackle the challenge of naming misophonia in te reo Māori.
Opai and his team have been publishing these new terms in the Te Reo Hāpai, a Māori language glossary for use in the mental health, addiction, and disability sectors.
The Collaborative Process
The collaboration between soQuiet and Keri Opai involved:
In-depth discussions: Exploring the nuances of misophonia and its impact on individuals.
Cultural considerations: Ensuring the new term aligns with Māori cultural values and linguistic traditions.
Lived experiences: Gathering input from individuals with misophonia to ensure the term resonates with their own experiences.
The New Māori Term for Misophonia
After several discussions starting a year ago in 2023, soQuiet founder, Cris Edwards, discussed with Opai what misophonia is, what makes it complex and misunderstood, and how misophonia can impact a person’s life every day. Edwards has struggled with the disorder for decades.
Opai used careful consideration, a comprehensive understanding of the Maori culture and language, and his own prior experiences of working with lived-experience communities to create new words for existing conditions.
Opai ultimately proposed the term: Māuiui rorongo ā-taringa
This term translates, generally, as something akin to, “An uncomfortable or unacceptable sensory experience of hearing.”
Rorongo is based on the root word 'rongo' which means to hear, sense, experience.
~Keri Opai
While they were discussing this, Opai also commented that this term’s basis could be used for other senses. Therefore Opai also coined a term for the similar condition known as misokinesia, which is when a person has a reaction much like the one found in misophonia, but the activating stimulus is entirely visual instead of auditory.
The Maori term for misokinesia is: māuiui rorongo ā-whatu
Impact and Future Implications
The creation of a Māori word for misophonia is more than just a linguistic achievement. It represents:
Increased awareness: Facilitating discussions about misophonia in Māori-speaking communities.
Cultural validation: Acknowledging the experience of Māori individuals with misophonia or misokinisia.
Educational opportunities: Providing a foundation for developing misophonia resources in te reo Māori.
soQuiet's Commitment to Diversity
This initiative underscores soQuiet's dedication to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in its advocacy work. By collaborating with experts like Keri Opai, the organization demonstrates its commitment to raising awareness and helping all people who are affected by misophonia.
Looking Ahead
As soQuiet continues its mission to support those affected by misophonia, this collaboration with Keri Opai sets a precedent for future cross-cultural initiatives. It opens the door for similar projects in other languages and cultures, furthering the global understanding and recognition of misophonia.
The creation of a Māori word for misophonia marks a significant milestone in the journey towards universal awareness and support for this often misunderstood disorder.