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Pacific News Briefs

In New Zealand, Sabrina Fa'avae and Italia Toelei'u are a part of Samoan Language Week, part of a series of Pacific language weeks, which this year tie together language, culture and identity. Samoan Language Week ends this Friday, June 3.  [Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sara Vui-Talitu]
compiled by Samoa News staff

TWO FOR TEA

Beginning tonight, for Happy Hour, 5:30pm – 7:30p.m., at the Sadie Thompson Inn, “Tea for Two”, brings a medley of oldies but goodies, jazz and Samoan songs performed by Peta Si'ulepa and Vaito’a Hans Langkilde, backed by ‘seasoned’ musicians.

It’s all a part of promoting live music in the Pago Bay area.

SAMOA CELEBRATES 55TH INDEPENDENCE

Thousands came together to pay their respects, and celebrate Samoa’s 55th Independence Day.

The program was held in front of the government building, for the nation to pay tribute to our forbears for the freedom we enjoy today.

In attendance was the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Her highness Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese.

Among them was the New Zealand’s Prime Minister Bill English, his wife Dr Mary English, Ulu Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Siopili Perez and Faletua Taase Perez; American Samoa Governor, First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga, and diplomatic corps.

The raising of the flag was by a member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and a 21-gun salute was performed by the firing of cannons. Traditional entertainments were scheduled for the afternoon.

(Source: Samoa Observer)

O LE KEY O LOU ATANU'U O LOU GAGANA LEA

Giving back to family and building up confidence are just a couple of reasons why young Samoans in Aotearoa New Zealand are learning their language.

It's Samoan Language Week, part of a series of Pacific language weeks which this year tie together language, culture and identity.

In Samoan, the theme "Keep your identity alive to thrive" translates as Ma'au i lou ofaga. Maua'a lou fa'asinomaga.

Pasifika Education Centre Samoan language tutor, Sebrina Fa'avae, said the week was a special occasion and a beautiful way to keep the gagana or language alive in New Zealand.

"It is meaningful to me because it defines who I am and where I come from. Before I used to take it for granted but now I relish every opportunity of using it. The language gives me confidence to be able to communicate with others, making connections as I go,” she said.

In Samoan, Ms. Fa'avae said the key to culture is language and that learning to speak your language teaches you that your identity and culture are inseparable.

"E taua tele le gagana au ai e loa ai lou faaloalo, e loa ai lou tagata, ma mea e te sau mai ai. O lou gagana ma lou aganu'u, e uo faatasi. O le key o lou atanu'u o lou gagana lea."

Student Italia Toelei'u is a first generation New Zealand Samoan who isn't fluent in the language but is attending the Pasifika Education Centre's free Samoan class to improve her skills.

She said learning Samoan connects her to her parent's generation, and all the things Samoans value like family, culture, God and the church.

"We're lucky because we have a homeland to go back to, but not all of us get to go back as often.

"So I always think it is important you keep your culture alive and as we are getting older our parents and our parent's generation are passing on and I think it is important to keep the language and culture alive and this is one way of doing it."

Ms. Toelei'u said there is a key Samoan proverb she lives by.

"O le ala i le pule o le tautua - 'the path to leadership is through service' and I think for us Samoan people, it's not just about titles, regarding leadership, it is through service.

"I see it as giving back to your family, whether it is giving back to your colleagues or to your church, but the whole idea about leadership is through serving others."

Another student, John Vaifale, is learning Samoan for personal reasons.

"I guess it is for personal reasons. So when I was younger, I was able to speak the language more but growing up and mainly being around English I kind of lost the language so it is more or less just trying to regain the language," he said.

He said it was never too late and advised others not to be afraid to learn their language and culture.

(Source: rnz.co.nz)