NCEA L1 Gagana Sāmoa key terms

The Samoan word for language or speech, and the name Samoans use for their own language. It appears in formal titles and in phrases about speaking well or speaking clearly.

The Samoan language, an Austronesian language of the Polynesian branch, written with an alphabet of 14 letters plus the glottal stop and macron. It is the first language of most Samoans.

Pronunciation, or the way words are sounded. In Samoan it covers vowel length, stress, and the glottal stop, all of which can change a word's meaning.

The glottal stop, written as an inverted apostrophe in Samoan spelling. It marks a distinct consonant sound and separates words such as 'ava from ava, so leaving it out can confuse meaning.

The macron, a short line placed over a vowel to show it is long. Vowel length is meaningful in Samoan, so tama with a long first vowel differs from tama with a short one.

To speak or talk, and also the noun for speech or conversation. Listening tasks often ask you to identify who is tautala, to whom, and about what.

To listen or hear, and the noun for listening. In assessment it refers to the listening strand, where you respond to spoken Samoan such as announcements, conversations, or radio items.

To read, and the noun for reading. Reading tasks ask you to find information, infer meaning, and recognise purpose in written Samoan texts such as notices, letters, or stories.

To write, and also the word for a letter, book, or written document. Context tells you which meaning applies, for example tusi se tala means write a story.

To understand, or understanding and clarity. It is used both for grasping a message and for the light of knowledge, and appears in questions asking whether you have understood.

To explain, describe, or clarify something. In speaking and writing tasks you are often asked to fa'amatala a custom, a process, or your own opinion in clear Samoan.

A thought, idea, or opinion. Expressing manatu is central to speaking and writing tasks, where you state a view and give reasons for it.

A wish, desire, or will, often used respectfully of another person's intention. It appears in formal speech and in texts about respecting what elders or leaders want.

A story, narrative, or piece of news. It can mean a traditional tale, a personal account, or a news item, so the surrounding words show which kind is meant.

A traditional Samoan story or legend, often told in the evening to entertain and teach. Fagogo carry cultural values and are a common text type in reading and listening.

Culture, or the customs and way of life of a people. In this exam it refers to Samoan custom and practice, including ceremony, respect, and family obligation.

The Samoan way: the customs, values, and social rules that shape Samoan life. It includes respect, service, family duty, and the protocols of formal gatherings.

Respect, shown through language, posture, and behaviour. It is a core Samoan value and appears in honorific vocabulary, in how you address elders, and in rules for gatherings.

Family or extended family, the basic unit of Samoan social life. The āiga holds land, shares duties, and makes decisions together, and the word appears constantly in texts.

A titled head of a Samoan family, holding a chiefly title and responsibilities to the āiga and village. Matai titles are divided into ali'i and tulafale, with different roles.

A high chief, the chiefly rank among matai titles. Ali'i are associated with authority and dignity, and the word is also used respectfully for people of high status.

An orator chief, the talking chief who speaks on behalf of the village or family. Tulafale are skilled in formal speech and protocol and are central to Samoan ceremony.

A formal oratorical speech delivered by a tulafale at ceremonies. Lāuga follow set patterns, use honorific language, and often include proverbs and references to history.

A formal meeting or council, especially of matai, where village or family matters are discussed. Fono have set seating, speaking order, and protocols that learners should recognise.

The formal ceremony in which 'ava, a drink made from the root of the 'ava plant, is prepared and served. It marks important occasions and follows a strict order of serving and speech.

A family event such as a wedding, funeral, or title bestowal that requires contributions of food, money, and fine mats. It expresses family solidarity and obligation.

A fine mat, woven from pandanus and highly valued in Samoan culture. Fine mats are presented at ceremonies and are the most treasured item exchanged at fa'alavelave.

A greeting meaning hello, and also an expression of affection or sympathy. Talofa lava is a warmer, more formal greeting used at the start of speeches and letters.

Thank you, and also the noun for thanks or gratitude. Fa'afetai tele lava is a common formal expression of thanks in letters and speeches.

Please, used when making a polite request. It often appears with a verb in a request form, and learners should recognise it in notices, letters, and spoken exchanges.

To confirm, agree, or approve something. It appears in formal and written contexts, such as confirming an arrangement or agreeing to a request.

A question, or to ask. Recognising question words and question forms in Samoan is essential for listening and reading tasks that ask you to identify what is being asked.

An answer or reply, and the verb to answer. In dialogue tasks you match a fesili with the appropriate tali, paying attention to tone and politeness.

Number or numeral. Counting, prices, times, and dates appear in listening and reading texts, and Samoan uses its own number words alongside borrowed forms for some purposes.

Time, including clock time and the right moment for something. Reading timetables, appointments, and event notices requires understanding how Samoan expresses time.

A village or settlement, and the community that lives there. The nu'u has its own rules, leaders, and meeting ground, and the word recurs in texts about Samoan life.

Church, worship, or religious service. Religion is central to Samoan community life, and lotu appears in texts about Sundays, church events, and village schedules.

Respectful or honorific language, a register used when speaking to or about people of high status. Learners must recognise respectful words and choose the right register for the situation.

To translate, or translation. Translation tasks require you to carry meaning and tone across languages rather than word for word, keeping the register appropriate.

Intercultural understanding: knowing how your own culture and Samoan culture differ and adjusting your language and behaviour accordingly. It includes awareness of taboos and polite norms.