Introduction to Sāmoan Identity, Language & Culture (Level 1)

Introduction to Gagana Samoa Identity, Language & Culture (Level 1)

Course Outline

Eligibility:  This course is ideally suited to learners who have no previous or very little knowledge of Gagana Samoa

Over 20 hours via online class and 10 hours self directed learning, students will cover the following content:

Lesson 1:       Welcome & course administration / introduction to Alphabet and Pronunciation

Lesson 2:      Common Greetings - introducing yourself

Lesson 3:      Me and my family - introducting yourself and your family

Lesson 4:      Geography - introducing where you are from

Lesson 5:      Using numbers/counting in every-day life

Lesson 6:      Days of the week, months of the year

Lesson 7:      Special events and seasons

Lesson 8:      Food and food customs

Lesson 9:      Body Parts - describing myself

Lesson 10:     Class presentation - using key information from each of the previous lessons you will                                                 present a short talanoa based on sentences you've learnt from Lessons 1-9

Everyday Conversation in Gagana Sāmoa for Aotearoa NZ (Level 1)

Everyday Conversation in Gagana Samoa (Level 1)

Course Outline

Eligibility:  This course is ideally suited to learners who have some working of gagana Samoa, or who have completed our Introduction level course and are confident with pronunciation, reading and writing in Samoan and who are ready to take the next step to gain confidence in everyday language

Over 20 hours via online class and 10 hours self directed learning, students will cover the following content:

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Lesson 1:        Informal and Formal Greetings - communicate sentences for everyday conversation 

Lesson 2:       Family roles, including honorary terms/names of family titles​

Lesson 3:       Family, land and Surroundings

Lesson 4        Samoan Core Values, Principles and Cultural Norms​

Lesson 6        Gift Giving in Samoan Life Events​

Lesson 7        Asking for directions and places

Lesson 8       Describing Weather and seasons​

Lesson 9       Consolidate learning to give an opinion

Lesson 10      Learner presentation

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Maintaining Gagana Sāmoan language & culture (Level 2)

Maintaining Gagana Samoan language & culture (Level 2)

Course Outline

Eligibility: This course is ideal for student who already have a good grasp of gagana Samoa, but require opportunities to learn additional grammar and vocabulary, and a place to practice 

Over 20 hours via online class and 10 hours self directed learning, students will cover the following content:

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• Use key facts about Samoa to communicate about key relationships between people.

• Communicate key information about relationships between people in the family and/or workplace setting.

• Communicate about  life-events. 

• Use terminology used in family situations and understand the importance of cultural behaviour/habits and taboos.

• Use information to discuss cultural protocols with family and friends

• Discuss cultural tools for gift-giving / Preparation for student presentations.

• Use Gagana Samoa to deliver an individual presentation

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Samoan Fa’amatai Bilingual Training (Level 4)

Samoan Fa’amatai Bilingual Training (Level 4)

Course Outline

Eligibility:  Open entry, but ideal for those who are keen to understand the Fa’amatai system and have a good grasp of gagana Sāmoa. 

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There are three levels offered:

• Introduction - taught mostly in English & introducing the basics of fa'amatai

• Intermediate - taught in English and Sāmoan and gets a bit more indepth into the fa'amatai including an introduction to the history of Sāmoa

• Advanced - taught mostly in Sāmoan and ideal for those who already have experience in the fa'amatai but need a bit more understanding and confidence to operate effectively in Sāmoan cultural settings.

This course is designed for people who are New Zealand born and raised, have become matai and would like to know more about understanding and participating in extended family occasions that require a working knowledge of gagana fa’amatai. The aim is to enrich Sāmoan matai, both male and female, who are raised in Aotearoa with Sāmoan values, protocols and practices. The programme also contributes to the building of confidence and upholding certain obligations through service to their communities here in Aotearoa and back in the homeland of Sāmoa.

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Students will be able to unpack key topics through:

• Oratory skills and cultural practices

• Leadership skills

• Communicate life events. Use terminology used in family situations and understand the importance of cultural behaviour/habits and taboos

• Use new information to discuss cultural protocols with family and friends

• Presentation for student presentations

• Developing their knowledge and increasing their acquisition of Gagana Sāmoa

• Enhancing their leadership skills through applying knowledge of Sāmoan values and principles to everyday living contexts

• Participating with confidence in Sāmoan ceremonies and traditional cultural practices

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Learners will be able to present themselves in accordance with their status in the community and apply specific skills appropriate to community cultural events.

Samoan Fa'amatai Oratory (level 4)

Samoan Fa’amatai Oratory (Level 4)

Course Outline

Eligibility:  Open, but must be a fluent Samoan language speaker and ideally already bestowed a matai title and already operating in the fa'amatai system – the class is taught in the Samoan language.  It is appropriate for both ali'i and tulafale title holders.

The Fa'amatai Samoan Oratory course will benefit adult learners who are current or aspire to hold Samoan leadership titles. It aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding and the ability to participate using appropriate Gagana Samoa for ceremonies and celebrations in traditional Samoan and Aoteraoa contexts. The course is designed for the advanced learner and is delivered fully in the Samoan language. It aims to provide a holistic Samoan world-view that encompasses the individual, community and its surroundings using Samoan language, customs and culture based on Fa’asamoa.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the 10 weeks, learners will be able to:

• Develop their knowledge of fa’asamoa.

• Construct and present a variety of Samoan speeches for different occasions.

• Gain skills and knowledge through participating in ceremonial gagana Samoa concepts based on the fa’asamoa, eg: matai, aiga, feagaiga, va fealoa’i, etc.

• Enhance their leadership skills through applying knowledge of Samoan values and principles to everyday living contexts.

• Participate with confidence in Samoan ceremonies and traditional cultural practices i.e. si’i, aiava, acknowledging gifts, etc.