Pronunciation: [tˈaŋɡi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "tangi" follows the English spelling conventions. The IPA phonetic transcription of "tangi" is /ˈtæŋi/, which represents the sounds "t" as in "top", "æ" as in "cat", "ŋ" as in "sing", and "i" as in "bit". The word "tangi" means a Maori funeral chant, song or lament. It is a word of Maori origin, and its pronunciation and spelling may vary depending on the dialect and accent.
Tangi is a noun that refers to a traditional Māori funeral ritual or ceremony, specific to New Zealand's indigenous Māori culture. The term originates from the Māori language, where it means to weep, mourn, or lament. The tangi is a significant cultural event that takes place when an individual within the Māori community passes away.
During a tangi, family members, relatives, and friends come together to mourn the deceased, express their grief, and pay their respects. The event typically lasts several days, allowing time for individuals to offer their condolences, share stories or memories, and provide emotional support to the bereaved family. Tangis often involve various ceremonial practices, including chanting, singing traditional waiata (songs), performing haka (a powerful, traditional Māori dance), and sharing food.
The tangi plays a vital role in Māori customs and traditions, reflecting the significance of whānau (family) and community bonds. It provides a space for grieving individuals to collectively mourn while honoring the memories of the deceased. The tangi also serves as an opportunity for cultural transmission, strengthening Māori identity and reinforcing cultural practices for future generations.
In contemporary society, the term tangi may also be used metaphorically to describe an intense emotional outpouring or expression of grief in other contexts beyond the Māori funeral ceremony.
The word "tangi" has its origins in the Māori language, which is the indigenous language of New Zealand. It is derived from the noun "tāngi", which means "to cry, weep, mourn". In Māori culture, tāngi refers to a ceremonial gathering or ritual of mourning and lamentation. The verb form "tangi" refers to the act of crying or weeping in order to express grief and sorrow. Over time, the word has been adopted into the English language with the same meaning.
