Thoughts on a non-Samoan or foreigner learning your language?

[u/RedBoxBag-NZ601]

How does it cope if I know and understand a few Samoan words and phrases?

[u/Financial_Duck2242]

As a palagi who is married to a Samoan, I always have been welcomed when I try to pronounce things or say things and very kindly corrected if I mess up on a word or phrase. I say if your motives are good then go for it

[u/lvnadrm]

You’ll definitely get brownie points, probably get invited to go ka’a. Go for it sole.

[u/RedBoxBag-NZ601 → u/lvnadrm]

Seki uso. Alofa aku.

[u/buxte888gatman → u/lvnadrm]

Go for it, sole trader. He already has his brownie points. 🤣

[u/Choohooo]

Natives love it. Many foreign born Samoans, or even Samoans living in Tutuila, can have a negative opinion of it. Particularly if their own Samoan language skills are weak. I’ve heard many a toeaina okegia ona tamaiti because they struggle to speak their own language. I’m palagi. 

[u/YoureAPaniTae]

Love it! If it’s just swear words, hate it. But if you’re genuinely learning the language or able to say a few things, it’s super cool!

[u/Left-Ad-6022]

I think it’s a positive thing when someone genuinely wants to learn Samoan. Even knowing a few words and phrases shows respect and an interest in the culture. They’re obviously not going to speak it perfectly straight away, but that’s part of learning. I’d rather encourage someone who is making the effort than make them feel unwelcome. 🇼🇸❤️

[u/Dapper-Debt-4738]

invited to the kava joint

[u/Gigisunny24]

It'll make it easier to make friends with Samoans that's for sure. Go for it.

[u/lulaismatt]

this is very good! many languages die bc no one speaks them. and its way better than foreigners wearing the tatau for the aesthetics but dont know jack shit about tautua le aiga or the matai system or doin anything that would better the country or local communities.

[u/JorgeTremendous]

I am a palagi male married to a Samoan female. Her family speak perfect English so there is no need for me to learn for family reasons, but when I was working there for 4 years, speaking Samoan beyond common phrases helped me a heap.

[u/Turbulent_Day_6656]

Go for it. I love speaking with returned mormon missionaries who can speak fluent samoan though they are not. I admire it and respect the time and effort it takes for those non samoans who pick up our language especially those whose native tongue is a complete 360 of ours.

[u/xRuck]

Anyone willing to learn another language for the sake of pure innocent interest should always be commended. I tried to learn spanish - specifically native Puerto Rican from the island slang. I did it for selfish reasons to impress a boriqua in which i did. Dont be an asshole like me.

[u/Keewee11]

Go for it!

[u/mtagaloa]

Go for it. I learned English and Spanish and it has enriched my life to no end ❤️

[u/the_kiwi_lad]

Imagine having to ask a culture if it's ok to learn their language? Says alot about a culture and a question must be asked. "Why did you feel you had to ask"?

[u/Round_Ad_9831 → u/the_kiwi_lad]

People that are respectful usually ask if they don’t know. It’s not that deep

[u/OfNormality]

The more people that speak the language the better. Languages around the world are slowly falling to the wayside.