Local Samoan Language Commission Meets with Counterpart in Samoa

(BASED ON A PRESS RELEASE) — May 28, 2025 — The Director of the Samoan Language Commission of American Samoa, Madam Alaimaleata Elisapeta attended the regular monthly meeting in neighboring Samoa with the Commissioner of the Samoan Language Commission of Samoa, the Retired Rev. Dr. Vaiao ‘Eteuati, and members of the Samoa and American Samoan Government Language Commissions. 

Several issues were considered in the development of the quality of Samoan Language, including its maintenance in the schools. It is useful for teachers to learn the correct language and grammar as well as the established language, so that the children and generations of the country can be confident in using the Samoan language.

The Commission also reviewed some of the words that have been questioned and added by fellow teachers, words that might have meaning or need correction for use in the lives of school children, such as the words, “O lo’o”. 

The Commission sought advice on which is the correct and true spelling of the word. It was argued that, the “'Olo'o” (Samoan linguist spelling) is the time indicator. But if you leave the "O" as spelled in the bible, “O lo’o” alone, it has no meaning."

However, as the two Commissions of Samoa and American Samoa have directed, the Bible is our standard and guide in our Samoan Language. However, the two Samoan Language Commissions have come to an agreement to utilize both spelling versions from the Holy Bible and the Linguists research studies.