Tālofa lava - Hello
Each year, the Ministry of Pacific Peoples outlines the themes for the many Pacific Languages that are spoken within Aotearoa. This week we celebrate the Samoa Language Week.
Theme for the week
The theme for the Samoa Language Week is ‘Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā’ which means - A well-grounded self, is a successful self.
This theme encourages us to reflect on what it means to be strong, balanced, and prepared for life’s journey. We expect the same from our learners. Distance learning can be an incredible opportunity, so balancing it with life’s responsibilities requires careful planning and strong time management skills.
We help in guiding our learners to the right resources - whether it’s assignment writing techniques, study strategies, or self-care tips, to help set them up for success.
Staff feature: Cam Marshall
Introducing one of our academic staff members Cam Marshall who hails from the villages of Vaimoso and Fasito'o-uta in Samoa.
Cam teaches in the New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) Level 3.
She arrived in Aotearoa from Samoa when she was 13 and was able to maintain most of her mother tongue.
One of the key things that Cam loves to do is connect with her learners by sharing Samoan sayings, one in particular:
“A fia vave o’o lou va’a, alo na o oe, ae a fia tuli mamao le taunuuga, tatou ‘alo’alo faatasi “, which means “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together!”
She interprets this as learners who work together with their support networks make their pathways to success a much easier journey.
Use the Samoan language throughout the week
Try these everyday phrases in your communications at work, school or with family and friends either through email, text or social media.
Start a conversation:
- Tālofa lava – Greetings (Tah-law-fah - lah-vah)
- O ā mai oe? – How are you? (Awe-ah mah-ee oh-eh?)
Common expressions:
- Fa’amolemole – Please (Fah-ah-moh-leh-moh-leh)
- Fa’afetai lava – Thank you (Fah-ah-feh-tah-ee lah-vah)
End a conversation or email:
- Tōfa soifua – Goodbye (Tore-fah-soy-foo-ah)
- Manuia le vaiaso/aso – Have a great week/day (Mah-nu-ear leh vai-ah-soh / Ah-soh)
Fun facts
- Gagana Sāmoa (Samoan language) is the third most spoken language in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- There are 695 Samoan learners enrolled and currently learning at The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.
Values
In line with the theme of the Samoan Language Week: Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well grounded self is a successful self, cultural values play an important part in grounding ones self. Hear one of our graduates talk about his value of aiga (family) and the important part it plays in his success.