“Faatumau ma ia Olaola lau Gagana” (Preserve and Keep your Language Vibrant) is the theme of Samoan Language Month.
The proclamation of March, as the month devoted to preserving and promoting the native language, was signed by then Acting Governor Talauega Eleasalo on February 23.
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The proclamation notes that the Samoan language supports the survival and development of Faa Samoa. More than 90% of American Samoans speak Samoan, however, there’s concern after a Samoan language survey in 2001 showed that only 67% of respondents use Samoan to converse at home.
By law, Samoan is one of the official languages of the territory, and is equally as important as English as the language of instruction in schools.
The Samoan Language Commission has organized events to place importance on Samoan and promote its use. The kick off is a wave at Suigaula and in front of the American Samoa Community College, this morning. Throughout this month, there will be a media blitz, workshops focusing on Samoan music, translations, the media, use of Samoan by the clergy and scholars, a Youth Samoan fest and culminating in a summit on the Samoan Language.
Photo: Itagia Fia
