Samoa Language Week

Tālofa lava! Afio mai!

Samoa Language Week / Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa is being held in 2020 from Sunday 24 May to Saturday 30 May. The theme for this year is 'Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga' which in English means 'Prepare yourself a gift for your travels'.

Samoa Language Week / Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa is organised by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to maintain and promote the language and culture of Samoa. Gagana Samoa is the second most spoken language in some cities like Auckland and Porirua, and the third most spoken language across New Zealand. 

Samoa Language Week celebrates the identity, language, and culture of students from Samoa and students whose families are from Samoa; supporting this group of learners to engage and achieve success.  

This special week helps all New Zealanders journey towards shared cultural understandings. This year’s theme is Tapena sou ōso mo lau malaga/Prepare yourself a gift for your travels. The theme provides an opportunity to reflect on preparations for different journeys. Covid-19 has brought about a new way of journeying online and that’s what we are celebrating this year. The ōso/gift of not only resources but ongoing relationships, collaborations and wellbeing are important, especially so during these challenging times.  Enjoy these gifts below as you celebrate Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa.

When greeting people in gagana Sāmoa, talofa is used at any time. The response is Talofa lava or malo lava. Or, you could say talofa or malo. Practice your language skills using the list below:

Talofa lava: Hello (formal)
Talofa: Hello (informal)
Malo: Hello
Tofa soifua: Goodbye (formal)
Tofa: Goodbye (informal)
Fa’amolemole: Please
Fa ‘afetai: Thank you

There will be online presentations from staff and students and will end with celebrating Samoan Language week the Tamaki Way – with free food!!(Social distancing will be in place)

Fa’afetai tele lava