Samoan Language Week

Friday, 31st May 2024 at 8:37am

Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa:

(Sunday 26 May to Saturday 1 June 2024)

TALOFA LAVA! This week students celebrated Samoan Language Week (26 May - 1 June 2024) with events taking place each lunchtime and a Form Class competition for the most recordings of Samoan greetings and phrases submitted. (Winners and Prizes to be announced next week). • Monday - Students enjoyed the Vibes of Samoan music and Volleyball in the gym • Tuesday - our Pacific Performance groups had their first practice and we have some stunning performances to look forward too! • Wednesday - Students learned some Samoan phrases and made lolly leis in Mana Tangata • Thursday - A shared lunch was held in Mana Tangata. Students and staff were encouraged to wear formal Samoan dress. • Friday (Teacher Only Day)

Students and staff looked stunning in their puletasi and lava-lava (traditional Samoan dress) yesterday, in celebration of Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa / Samoan Language Week. The theme for Samoan Language Week 20204 is 'Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana'i – Serve in love for a blessed future. As you can see in the photo, students are certainly embracing Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana'i, and being proud of their language and identity.

Did you know? 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 a separate language that pertains to chiefs and orators.

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)