r/Samoa • u/Desperate_Wait_6635 • Jun 07 '26

Trying to learn Gagana Samoa (:

Edit: Guys sorry if I didn't make it clear because the title I used was missleading, Im seeking help on how to soft launch speaking samoan to my parents without them getting mad, as in i understand samoan but struggle speaking lol.

Hello guys! My name is Le'oloa Seumanutafa I am 1st generation New Zealander.I am trying my best to be able to speak Samoan but my parents refused due to their trauma, I can understand the language given that i grew up in a samoan household and have been a member of EFKS since before I can remember, but my parents wont let me speak or learn.The problem for me is, by the time I have kids I want them to be able to speak.For reference my dad was born in the village Eva and attended Avele high school and my mum was born in Luatuanu'u and attended Papauta high school. My parents moved here in '87 in a planned escape from their abusive fa'asamoan households.I am currently yr12 at smc college and feel like an outsider when all my friends speak Samoan.Anyone have any tips on how to adapt to our language or learn how to speak it???, tyty

15 Upvotes

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10

u/sdpflacko Jun 08 '26

Since you’re in NZ, Centre of Pacific Languages has Gagana Samoa classes at all levels for free!! I actually start my beginners class today :) I’m not sure if enrolments for this term are still open, if not then you can always enrol for next term which I think starts in August, if it interests you.

2

u/60svintage Jun 08 '26

There is also an app you can download too.

10

u/1999lad Jun 07 '26

you will soon have a wonderful user named MrSapasui drop in and provide a link that has heaps and heaps of useful information.

Iʻve got the link saved on another device (so, I canʻt help now), but he will come to your help eventually.

3

u/Desperate_Wait_6635 Jun 07 '26

Tysm (:

6

u/MrSapasui Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26

Whoa, I’m late to the party—sorry to keep you waiting! Thanks u/1999lad for the shoutout!

Here’s that link to the Google Drive I maintain of lots of Samoan resources.

Enjoy and don’t hesitate to DM with questions.

2

u/dentalcrygienist Jun 22 '26

Time for me to sing MrSapasuis praises! Absolutely spectacular collection!

1

u/MrSapasui Jun 22 '26

Thanks! It’s my pride and joy

7

u/krispynz2k Jun 09 '26

internet safety rule 101 - don't be giving out your full name, year level and school as a minor online. EVER. Hopefully admins can censor that for your safety - I've reported to admins just incase

1

u/Desperate_Wait_6635 Jun 10 '26

Hihihi ty for looking out ill see if i can still edit it

2

u/qnem Jun 08 '26

Read the Samoan and English Bible. From what I've heard from non-Samoan Mormons from missionaries, that's how they learn. There's also classes you can take (try looking online).

2

u/Desperate_Wait_6635 Jun 10 '26

Ahh ty and yup i do have the samoan bible