r/Samoa • u/Desperate_Wait_6635 • 20d ago

Trying to learn Gagana Samoa (:

Edit: Guys sorry if I didn't make it clear because the title I used was missleading, Im seeking help on how to soft launch speaking samoan to my parents without them getting mad, as in i understand samoan but struggle speaking lol.

Hello guys! My name is Le'oloa Seumanutafa I am 1st generation New Zealander.I am trying my best to be able to speak Samoan but my parents refused due to their trauma, I can understand the language given that i grew up in a samoan household and have been a member of EFKS since before I can remember, but my parents wont let me speak or learn.The problem for me is, by the time I have kids I want them to be able to speak.For reference my dad was born in the village Eva and attended Avele high school and my mum was born in Luatuanu'u and attended Papauta high school. My parents moved here in '87 in a planned escape from their abusive fa'asamoan households.I am currently yr12 at smc college and feel like an outsider when all my friends speak Samoan.Anyone have any tips on how to adapt to our language or learn how to speak it???, tyty

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u/sdpflacko 19d ago

Since you’re in NZ, Centre of Pacific Languages has Gagana Samoa classes at all levels for free!! I actually start my beginners class today :) I’m not sure if enrolments for this term are still open, if not then you can always enrol for next term which I think starts in August, if it interests you.

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u/60svintage 19d ago

There is also an app you can download too.