Sāmoan Language - Gagana Sāmoa


Gagana Sāmoa or the Sāmoan language is one of many Polynesian languages identified with the culture, people and Islands of Sāmoa.

The language and oratory continues to be the primary form of education, communication, and documentation.

It is worth noting that there are multiple forms that the langauge may be written or spoken.

The language includes a "t style" (tautala lelei) and "k style" (tautala leaga) in which the consonants t and k and interchanged.

There is also the standard form of the language and a respectful protocol form of the language (gagana faʻaaloalo). Gagana faʻaaloalo is used when communicating with or amongst people of prestige and/or rank.

In studies of linguistics, Sāmoan language has been categorized within the Austronesian family of languages.

Linguistic classification

  • Austronesian
  • Malayo-Polynesian
  • Oceanic
  • Central Pacific
  • Polynesian
  • Samoic
  • Sāmoan