Talofa lava!
Mālo le Soifua!
Samoa Language Week, or “Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa,” will be celebrated across New Zealand from 26 May to 1 June 2024. This week-long event aims to promote and celebrate the Samoan language and culture, promoting its preservation and use within communities.
Samoan is the second most spoken language in Auckland and the third most spoken in New Zealand, following English and Te Reo Māori. Auckland, in particular, has a vibrant Samoan community, reflecting the city’s rich multicultural fabric (Wikipedia) (New Zealand Curriculum Home).
Theme for 2024
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Tautua i le alofa mo se lumana’i manuia,” which translates to “Serve in love for a thriving future.” This theme highlights the importance of service and love in building a prosperous and sustainable future for the Samoan community in New Zealand, Aotearoa.
During the week, various events will take place, including traditional dances, language lessons, cultural workshops, storytelling sessions, and community gatherings. Schools, community groups, and cultural organisations are set to host these activities to encourage widespread participation and engagement.
Samoan Community in New Zealand
The Samoan population in New Zealand is one of the fastest-growing and largest Pacific groups, making up 47.9% of all Pacific people in the country. As of the last census, there are approximately 182,171 Samoan people residing in New Zealand, with a significant portion in Auckland (NZ Herald) (Inside Government NZ).
To honour the Samoan heritage, here is a traditional Samoan proverb that reflects the community’s values:
“O le upega e fili i le po, ‘ae talatala i le ao.”
Translation: “The fishing net is hanged tangled in the evening, but spread out and untangled in the morning.”
O faigāfaiva a Sāmoa anamua, sā iai le’ upega e ta’ua o le tapo. ‘Ā māe’a se faiva i le pō, ona ‘ave lea ‘o le tapo ‘ua tautau ‘a’o lavelave. ‘Ā malama a’e le taeao ona toe talatala lelei lea. E fa’aaogā i le tagata mā’elegā ma le māfaufau mamao. ‘O tonu e fqai i le pō e mafai ona toe talanoaina i le ao.
This proverb illustrates the idea that discussions or decisions made, when thoughts might be tangled and unclear, are revisited the next day/morning with a fresh perspective. It reflects the wisdom in taking time to reconsider and clarify matters after rest, suggesting that a thoughtful and considerate person understands the value of revisiting issues with a clear mind.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) has developed a range of resources to support the learning and use of the Samoan language. These resources include:
- Gagana Samoa Language Cards: These cards cover the Samoan alphabet, pronunciation guides, everyday phrases, and basic conversations. They are designed to be user-friendly and accessible for learners of all ages.
- Alphabet Cards: Introducing the Samoan alphabet with pronunciation tips to help learners accurately pronounce each letter.
- Everyday Phrases and Conversation Cards: Providing common phrases and sentences used in daily interactions, enabling learners to practice and use the language in real-life situations.
These resources aim to make the learning process engaging and effective, ensuring that the Samoan language remains a vibrant part of New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.
The Ministry encourages everyone to utilise these tools and actively participate in Samoa Language Week celebration.
For more information about the events and resources available for Samoa Language Week, visit the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website.