fa'asamoa
The English phrase "samoan" (referring to the language) is fa'asamoa in Samoan.
fa'asamoa is used to refer to the Samoan language, but it also encompasses the Samoan way of life and traditional customs.
Meaning: Samoan language (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the prefix fa'a-, meaning "in the manner of" or "in the way of" and Samoa.
How does it change in a sentence?
fa'asamoa functions as a term for both the Samoan language and the Samoan way of life.
Did you know?
- In traditional contexts, the concepts within fa'asamoa are governed by the fa'amatai system, a complex socio-political structure based on the authority of titled chiefs.
- The 'glottal stop' indicated by the apostrophe in fa'asamoa is a distinct, audible pause that is essential for the word to be pronounced correctly.
- Because the prefix fa'a- means 'in the manner of', you can use it to turn almost any noun into an adjective or an adverb describing how something is done.
Example conversation
Losa and Sione are discussing their language studies.
- LosaE ao'o oe i le fa'asamoa?Are you learning the Samoan language?
- SioneIoe, ua ou amata i lenei ao.Yes, I started this morning.
- LosaE lelei le fa'asamoa mo oe.The Samoan language is good for you.
- SioneFa'afetai, Losa.Thank you, Losa.
