Newly formed Samoan Language Commission makes a productive start

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Governor’s State of the Territory Comprehensive Report, distributed to lawmakers on Monday during the opening of the 38th Legislature, includes a summary update on the Samoan Language Commission, which was created by law.

The Commission — established during the 37th legislative session through legislation approved by the Fono and signed by the governor last year — consists of eleven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Fono.

They first convened on Sept. 22 last year and members serve staggered four-year terms and may be reappointed. The Commission’s office is headed by an Executive Director appointed by the Governor with a supporting staff that includes an administrative assistant and a researcher.

The Commission’s duties and powers are detailed in provisions in the law. The main focus is to promote, preserve, and guide the development of the Samoan language.

“The faaSamoa is inextricably linked to the culture as a living heritage and common means of communication cultivating diversity and human creativity,” the report says and outlines accomplishments of the Commission since its establishment:

•           Defined linkage with Samoan Affairs as government agent for connection with language at 
grassroots level.

•           Introduced reviewing government schools and American Samoa Community College Samoan Language Institute missions to ensure emphasis on standard Samoan Language preservation.

•           Initiated collaboration on promoting Samoan language with government agencies in general, starting with upgrading and compiling Samoan translations for each agent’s title.

•           Initiated partnership with media agencies, i.e. TV, radio, and newspapers, to promote usage of standard Samoan language and translations for public broadcast.

•           Touched base with mainline churches to promote standard language usage, with emphasis on Bible as classic standard.

•           Created database listing of common errors in word and expressions for public referencing as one of the approaches to preserve standard language.

The Administration has allocated $500,000 of the $7.4 million FY2023 supplemental budget to the Commission to pay for rent, salaries, and other expenses.

In connection with the Samoan culture, the Comprehensive Report points to the Administration’s move last year to revitalize the Samoan Heritage Initiative Program in Hawai’i.

The Administration “believes that [its their] responsibility to not only ensure that the Samoan heritage and culture is taught and honored, but to also plant seeds of hope in our Samoan youth, so they may return home and ultimately serve the Samoan community,” the report says.

The Samoa Heritage Initiative was held Aug. 06 to Aug. 12 in Honolulu, hosted by the ASG-Hawaii Office.

The four pillars of the 2022 Heritage Initiative are culture, language, health, and the future of all Samoan people at home and abroad.