Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week, 26 May – 1 June 2024

Tālofa lava! It's the day fourth day of Samoan Language Week 2024 here in New Zealand, it's a perfect time to embrace and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Samoa. This year, the theme is

This theme emphasises the importance of service and love as foundational elements for a prosperous and sustainable future, aligning with the broader 2024 theme of "Sustainability" in the Pacific Language Week series​ (CCLibraries)​​ (Ministry for Pacific Peoples)​.

The Importance of Samoan Language Week

Samoan Language Week, or Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa, is a significant event in New Zealand, home to the largest Samoan population outside of Samoa. It provides an opportunity to promote and preserve the Samoan language and culture through various educational and community activities. The event also supports the goals of the UNESCO Decade of Indigenous Languages, aiming to enhance the vitality of Pacific languages.

Learning Resources for Gagana Samoa

To help you engage with and learn the Samoan language, here are some fantastic resources that we've made free basic resources for you to download and use! Click here!

  1. Samoan Language Basics: Start with the fundamentals of Gagana Samoa, including the alphabet, common phrases, and pronunciation guides. These resources are designed for beginners and provide a solid foundation for further learning.

  2. Interactive Activities: Engage with interactive activities such as word searches, crossword puzzles, and coloring sheets that are themed around Samoan culture and language. These are great for both children and adults to learn while having fun.

  3. Craft Tutorials: Learn to create traditional Samoan crafts with step-by-step tutorials. These activities not only teach practical skills but also deepen your understanding of Samoan heritage and customs.

  4. Storytime Sessions: Enjoy storytime sessions where you can listen to traditional Samoan stories being read in Gagana Samoa. These sessions help with language immersion and provide a cultural context for the language.

  5. Songs and Music: Explore Samoan music and songs that are an integral part of the culture. Singing along to traditional songs is a wonderful way to improve language skills and appreciate the melodic aspects of Gagana Samoa.

Celebratory Activities

During Samoan Language Week, there are numerous activities and events you can participate in to celebrate and honor the Samoan language:

  • Community Events: Join local community events such as cultural performances, language workshops, and traditional dance sessions. These events provide a space to celebrate together and learn from one another.
  • Social Media Challenges: Participate in social media challenges that encourage the use of Gagana Samoa. Share your progress, new phrases you’ve learned, and cultural experiences online to inspire others.
  • Educational Programs: Schools and educational institutions often hold special programs and lessons focusing on Samoan language and culture. These programs are crucial for younger generations to connect with their heritage.

Samoan Language Week is a vibrant celebration of language, culture, and community. By embracing this year’s theme of "Serve in love for a blessed future," we can contribute to the preservation and promotion of Gagana Samoa, ensuring it remains a living and thriving language for future generations.

Join us in celebrating Samoan Language Week 2024. Fa'afetai tele lava!

For additional information and resources, you can also visit the Ministry for Pacific Peoples website​ (CCLibraries)​​ (Ministry for Pacific Peoples)​.

Back to blog