New Samoan dictionary a milestone in preserving Samoan language

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Thursday July 11, 2024, the Samoan Monolingual Dictionary book launch was held at the American Samoa Community College Multipurpose Center in Malaeimi, with Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga and Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa present for the unveiling of a long-anticipated publication set to benefit both Samoas.

A press release from the Governor’s Office says the monolingual dictionary is a major milestone in preserving the Samoan language, featuring 800 pages and 27,000 Samoan word definitions.

Tofā To’oto’o Malemo Tausaga welcomed and acknowledged all attending delegates from both the Government of Samoa and American Samoa. Delivering the invocation shortly after was the most revered Epikopō Puleaga Samoa-Pago Pago, Katoliko, Afioga KolioTumanuvao.

Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao highlighted the importance of one’s language through preservation and clear comprehension of translations and understanding to minimize misunderstandings and loss of meaning when comparing language source.

Prime Minister Fiame was the keynote speaker of the ceremony delivering introduction formalities to all delegate members, distinguished guests, and attendees. In her address, She acknowledged Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao for blessing the event, encouraging him to continue with the Lord’s work and spreading the spiritual message.

She stated in her address to the American Samoa delegation, “O taua o uso tu ofe, e le o se uso tau feagai. A tonu e avea lenei galuega ia fa’amausali atili ai o ta so’otaga.” PM Fiame highlighted in her speech the importance of this work to preserve the Samoan language in an accessible book for all Samoans. She hopes that this book serves as a learning tool for the present and future generations of both Samoa and American Samoa serving in their villages, school, employment, church, families, and around the globe.

Governor Lemanu provided acknowledgement remarks of this great milestone to maintain the accessibility of the Samoan Language for future generations.

In his address, he mentioned that there were two different kinds of Samoan language currently being used by Samoans.

One being the everyday language utilized by all generations, and the other being the language of Matai. He further encouraged the use of teaching of the everyday language, both written and verbal, and to also feed the younger generation the knowledge and understanding of the language of Matai.

“Ia fa’ataua le gagana Fa’aSamoa, aua le aga’i i luma o si o tatou atunu’u,” said Governor Lemanu in his closing remarks. He concluded his speech with hopes of officially establishing a Samoan Language Office Building in American Samoa.

A brief history of the work was presented by the Commissioner of Samoan Language, Samoa, Reverend Vaiao Alailima Eteuati.

Reverend Vaiao, in his speech, provided a breakdown of the work dating back to August 2014 when the work started in Samoa. Over the years, the Samoa Government worked diligently to bring this project to fruition. The Measles and COVID pandemic delayed the progression of the monolingual dictionary book for 18 months, he noted. The work continued once restrictions were lifted, and the official launching of the Samoan Monolingual dictionary book commenced on July 5, 2024.

After the history presentation, the ribbons were jointly cut by Governor Lemanu and Prime Minister Fiame.

The Samoa Language Commission gifted twelve Samoa Monolingual dictionaries to American Samoa along with a Tanoa, Fue, and To’oto’o, which were presented to Governor Lemanu.

The Samoan Monolingual Dictionaries were distributed to the following:

Afioga Lemanu P. S. Mauga (Governor of American Samoa)

Afioga Laapui Talauega E. V. Ale (Lt. Governor of American Samoa) Tua’olo Mānaia Fruean (Peresitene o le Maota Maualuga)

Savali Talavou Ale (Fofoga Fetalai o le Maota o Sui)

Afioga Lealaialoa F. Michael Kruse (Faamasino Sili)

Epikopō Kolio Tumanuvao

Mauga Tasi Asuega ( Failautusi Mataupu tau Samoa)

Dr. Talauega Samasoni (Faatonu o ofisa o Ā’oga)

Dr. Rosevonne Pato (Peresitene o le Kolisi Tu'ufa'atasi o Amerika Samoa) Manu’a District Governor Misaalefua Hudson

Fofo Iiga Sunia

The event concluded with a dance presentation by the Students Association For Fa’aSamoa (SAFF) of the American Samoa Community College (ASCC).

BACKGROUND

On July 5, the Samoan Monolingual Dictionary was officially launched in Apia. The Samoa Government aims to distribute the benefits of this significant project to the people of American Samoa, particularly focusing on the well-being of our children, both present and future.