fa'alologo
The phrase "shut up" is translated into Samoan as fa'alologo.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Did you know?
- A direct command to shut up is viewed as an attempt to break the va, the sacred relational web connecting people.
- In a formal village meeting or 'fono', even a subtle suggestion to be quiet is a matter of extreme protocol. An unintentional interruption can be seen as a challenge to the authority of the 'matai', or chief.
- The word fa'alologo is built from the root logo, which literally means 'to hear'. Instead of commanding someone to 'stop' an action, the phrase linguistically directs them toward the act of 'hearing'.
Example conversation
Manu and Talisa are arguing during a game.
- ManuFa'alologo, Talisa!Shut up, Talisa!
- TalisaA'u na'o le tautala.I am only talking.
- ManuFa'alologo ma ia fa'alogo i le fa'atonuga.Shut up and listen to the instructions.
- TalisaO le mea lea.Fine.
