Samoan Language Week

Friday, 2nd June 2023 at 1:37am

Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa

(Sunday 28 May to Saturday 3 June 2023)

Students looked stunning in their puletasi and lava-lava (traditional Samoan dress) today, in celebration of Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa / Samoan Language Week. The week-long events, held at school, culminated in traditional prayer and a shared lunch.

As you can see in the photo, students are certainly embracing Mitamita i lau gagana, maua'a lou fa'asinomaga, being proud of their language and identity.

The Samoan language has many components, depending on the situation and the company you are speaking to. There is 'simple' Samoan, more 'complex' Samoan, there is 'everyday' language, and there is also 'respectful' language. There is language specific to young people, and then language that pertains to chiefs and orators. The Samoan language has depth!

Give it a go!

• Tālofa lava: Hello (formal)
• Mālō le soifua: Hello/Good health
• 'O ā mai 'oe? How are you? (to one person only)
• Manuia fa'afetai: Good, thank you
• Manuia le aso: Have a great day
• Tōfā soifua: Good bye (formal)