Suitable for

This course is right for you if you’re a beginner learner who’s never spoken Sāmoan before, or you have a basic understanding but want to gain confidence in using the language. The course is taught in English so learners do not need to be fluent in gagana Sāmoa. It’s designed to help learners develop their language (gagana Sāmoa) and cultural knowledge (fa’aSāmoa).

Enrol now

Course duration

Taught over 10 weeks, students will join a 2-hour tutor facilitated class per week, and spend at least 1 hour per week doing revision and practice. Courses are a total of 30 hours of learning and practice.

What you need to do the course

This course is taught online. Learners must have access to a digital device (preferably a computer or laptop rather than a smart phone) and a stable internet connection. Minimum hardware requirements can be found in the FAQs.

Course content

Learners will gain the basic skills and knowledge of gagana Sāmoa at an introduction level, as well as get an introductory understanding of the fa’aSāmoa.

Students will learn key information essential in any Pacific cultural context to communicate information about your identity:

• your name
• your home
• your family, grandparents and ancestors (your family tree)
• your village links

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to introduce yourself confidently with these key facts.

The course will also cover how to introduce yourself and how to respond to introductions. This is not the formal matai level of gagana Sāmoa, but covers simple introductions equivalent to hello, good morning, good afternoon and good evening.

You’ll gain an introduction into the language used at key Pacific life events, such as birthdays, weddings and funerals.

Students who complete the course will have developed the knowledge and skills to be able to use greetings, build their vocabulary, converse at a basic level in a Pacific language, and act in a culturally appropriate way as expected in the fa’aSāmoa.

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent residents and be over 16 years of age, or 13 years of age with adult approval and supervision. This can be a parent, guardian or sibling over 16 years of age who will attend the class with any 13-15 year old.

Tutors

Your friendly tutors for this course:

Pacific Language Course Resources

We have a number of resources available to support you on your learning journey

Visit the shop

Suitable for

This course is intended for people want to have simple conversations with friends, family and workmates in gagana Sāmoa.

Enrol now

Course duration

Taught over 10 weeks, students will join a 2-hour tutor facilitated class per week, and spend at least 1 hour per week doing revision and practice. Courses are a total of 30 hours of learning and practice.

What you need to do the course

This course is taught online. Learners must have access to a digital device (preferably a computer or laptop rather than a smart phone) and a stable internet connection. Minimum hardware requirements can be found in the FAQs.

Course content

In our online Sāmoan language classes, students will learn through listening and communicating, with a focus on accuracy and pronunciation. Learners will build knowledge that may include key family roles and increasing knowledge of:

• Honorific terms and language skills
• Your family tree
• Speaking about your relationship to your surroundings

You’ll strengthen knowledge around Sāmoan life-events and customary gift giving to help build your understanding of fa’aSāmoa. Conversations will cover directions, places, seasons and enable you to present a simple opinion about a fa’aSāmoa cultural practice.

Learners will use role-play activities, and by the end of the course be able to deliver individual presentations in the form of a speech. People who complete this course will have learned at least 200 simple words used in everyday conversation and have a knowledge of basic punctuation and grammar.

This course is taught in English so you don’t need to be fluent in gagana Sāmoa, but you should have a good understanding of the basics.

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent residents and be over 16 years of age; or 13 years of age with adult approval and supervision. This can be a parent, guardian or sibling over 16 years of age who will attend the class with any 13-15 year old.

Tutors

Your friendly tutors for this course:

Pacific Language Course Resources

We have a number of resources available to support you on your learning journey

Visit the shop

Suitable for

This course is intended for people who want to further develop and polish their Pacific language skills, including cultural and historical knowledge. At Level 2, it’s expected that learners will have prior knowledge of gagana Sāmoa already.

Learners will explore and build cultural and historical knowledge while engaging, practicing speaking and listening.

Enrol now

Course duration

Taught over 10 weeks, students will join a 2-hour tutor facilitated class per week, and spend at least 1 hour per week doing revision and practice. Courses are a total of 30 hours of learning and practice.

What you need to do the course

This course is taught online. Learners must have access to a digital device (preferably a computer or laptop rather than a smart phone) and a stable internet connection. Minimum hardware requirements can be found in the FAQs.

Course content

Students will learn how to communicate key information about:

• Relationships between people in the family and/or community settings
• Communicating life-events using the correct terminology in family situations
• How to understand the importance of cultural behaviours/habits and taboos
• The cultural tools for gift-giving

Students who complete the course will be able to communicate key facts and social norms about Sāmoa and it’s leadership, as well as be able to demonstrate indigenous cultural and historical knowledge about Sāmoa. By the end of the course, learners should know at least 300 simple words which can be used in a conversation with friends and family in the home, workplace and community.

Students who complete the course should also be able to demonstrate Sāmoan cultural protocols within a formal setting.

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent residents and be over 16 years of age; or 13 years of age with adult approval and supervision. This can be a parent, guardian or sibling over 16 years of age who will attend the class with any 13-15 year old.

Tutors

Your friendly tutors for this course:

Pacific Language Course Resources

We have a number of resources available to support you on your learning journey

Visit the shop

Suitable for

This course is suitable for both men and women who have been raised in Aotearoa NZ, who have a working knowledge of gagana Sāmoa and who are current or potential holders of Sāmoan matai title, or have an interest in and who want to learn about the Sāmoan Fa’amatai system.

The course has been designed for Sāmoan people to build confidence in their language and to put into practice Sāmoan values, protocols and practices in a supportive class environment.

This is NOT a Sāmoan Oratory course. Rather, this course will explain the different types of oratory used in fa’amatai cultural protocols and break them down in detail. The course will discuss Sāmoan cultural protocols and values and understanding the role of matai here in Aotearoa NZ.

By the end of this course, leaners will be able to:

• Give a lauga (speech) that uses appropriate honorifics
• Use metaphors and alagaupu (proverbial expressions)
• Build on Sāmoan genealogies (fa’alupega)

Students will learn how to present themselves in accordance with their status in the community and apply specific skills appropriate to the cultural events that they may be required to participate in.

Enrol now

Course duration

Taught over 10 weeks, students will join a 2-hour tutor facilitated class per week, and spend at least 1 hour per week doing revision and practice. Courses are a total of 30 hours of learning and practice.

What you need to do the course

This course is taught online. Learners must have access to a digital device (preferably a computer or laptop rather than a smart phone) and a stable internet connection. Minimum hardware requirements can be found in the FAQs.

Course content

Each week learners will be introduced to an aspect of fa’aSāmoa (such as the various oratory expectations at a wedding, funeral, birthday, church event etc) and work through the key elements of a lauga appropriate to your role as a matai (Ali’i or Tulafale). The content can include understanding cultural protocols and values such a vā, the ‘ava ceremony, opening and closing speeches, thank you speeches etc.

There are three levels of courses that cover the same content:

• Intro – taught in English, and ideal for new matai or those who are considering receiving a matai title
• Intermediate – taught bilingually, and ideal for those matai who have a good command of gagana Sāmoa
• Advanced – taught mostly in gagana Sāmoa, and ideal for those matai who are already operating as matai, but require more practice and wish to learn more ‘advanced’ aspects of the language to improve their oratory skills

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent residents and be over 16 years of age. This course is suited to adults who are already matai (a Sāmoan chief) or are considering becoming one. Although you do not have to be a fluent speaker, it is helpful to have a good understanding of everyday gagana Sāmoa.

Tutors

Your friendly tutors for this course:

Pacific Language Course Resources

We have a number of resources available to support you on your learning journey

Visit the shop

Suitable for

This course is suitable for both men and women who have been raised in Aotearoa NZ, who have a working knowledge of gagana Sāmoa and who are current or potential holders of Sāmoan matai title, or have an interest in and who want to learn about the Sāmoan Fa’amatai system.

The course has been designed for Sāmoan people to build confidence in their language and to put into practice Sāmoan values, protocols and practices in a supportive class environment.

This is NOT a Sāmoan Oratory course. Rather, this course will explain the different types of oratory used in fa’amatai cultural protocols and break them down in detail. The course will discuss Sāmoan cultural protocols and values and understanding the role of matai here in Aotearoa NZ.

By the end of this course, leaners will be able to:

• Give a lauga (speech) that uses appropriate honorifics
• Use metaphors and alagaupu (proverbial expressions)
• Build on Sāmoan genealogies (fa’alupega)

Students will learn how to present themselves in accordance with their status in the community and apply specific skills appropriate to the cultural events that they may be required to participate in.

Enrol now

Course duration

Taught over 10 weeks, students will join a 2-hour tutor facilitated class per week, and spend at least 1 hour per week doing revision and practice. Courses are a total of 30 hours of learning and practice.

What you need to do the course

This course is taught online. Learners must have access to a digital device (preferably a computer or laptop rather than a smart phone) and a stable internet connection. Minimum hardware requirements can be found in the FAQs.

Course content

Each week learners will be introduced to an aspect of fa’aSāmoa (such as the various oratory expectations at a wedding, funeral, birthday, church event etc) and work through the key elements of a lauga appropriate to your role as a matai (Ali’i or Tulafale). The content can include understanding cultural protocols and values such a vā, the ‘ava ceremony, opening and closing speeches, thank you speeches etc.

There are three levels of courses that cover the same content:

• Intro – taught in English, and ideal for new matai or those who are considering receiving a matai title
• Intermediate – taught bilingually, and ideal for those matai who have a good command of gagana Sāmoa
• Advanced – taught mostly in gagana Sāmoa, and ideal for those matai who are already operating as matai, but require more practice and wish to learn more ‘advanced’ aspects of the language to improve their oratory skills

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent residents and be over 16 years of age. This course is suited to adults who are already matai (a Sāmoan chief) or are considering becoming one. Although you do not have to be a fluent speaker, it is helpful to have a good understanding of everyday gagana Sāmoa.

Tutors

Your friendly tutors for this course:

Pacific Language Course Resources

We have a number of resources available to support you on your learning journey

Visit the shop

Suitable for

This course is suitable for both men and women who have been raised in Aotearoa NZ, who have a working knowledge of gagana Sāmoa and who are current or potential holders of Sāmoan matai title, or have an interest in and who want to learn about the Sāmoan Fa’amatai system.

The course has been designed for Sāmoan people to build confidence in their language and to put into practice Sāmoan values, protocols and practices in a supportive class environment.

This is NOT a Sāmoan Oratory course. Rather, this course will explain the different types of oratory used in fa’amatai cultural protocols and break them down in detail. The course will discuss Sāmoan cultural protocols and values and understanding the role of matai here in Aotearoa NZ.

By the end of this course, leaners will be able to:

• Give a lauga (speech) that uses appropriate honorifics
• Use metaphors and alagaupu (proverbial expressions)
• Build on Sāmoan genealogies (fa’alupega)

Students will learn how to present themselves in accordance with their status in the community and apply specific skills appropriate to the cultural events that they may be required to participate in.

Enrol now

Course duration

Taught over 10 weeks, students will join a 2-hour tutor facilitated class per week, and spend at least 1 hour per week doing revision and practice. Courses are a total of 30 hours of learning and practice.

What you need to do the course

This course is taught online. Learners must have access to a digital device (preferably a computer or laptop rather than a smart phone) and a stable internet connection. Minimum hardware requirements can be found in the FAQs.

Course content

Each week learners will be introduced to an aspect of fa’aSāmoa (such as the various oratory expectations at a wedding, funeral, birthday, church event etc) and work through the key elements of a lauga appropriate to your role as a matai (Ali’i or Tulafale). The content can include understanding cultural protocols and values such a vā, the ‘ava ceremony, opening and closing speeches, thank you speeches etc.

There are three levels of courses that cover the same content:

• Intro – taught in English, and ideal for new matai or those who are considering receiving a matai title
• Intermediate – taught bilingually, and ideal for those matai who have a good command of gagana Sāmoa
• Advanced – taught mostly in gagana Sāmoa, and ideal for those matai who are already operating as matai, but require more practice and wish to learn more ‘advanced’ aspects of the language to improve their oratory skills

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent residents and be over 16 years of age. This course is suited to adults who are already matai (a Sāmoan chief) or are considering becoming one. Although you do not have to be a fluent speaker, it is helpful to have a good understanding of everyday gagana Sāmoa.

Tutors

Your friendly tutors for this course:

Pacific Language Course Resources

We have a number of resources available to support you on your learning journey

Visit the shop

Suitable for

This course is suitable for both men and women who have been raised in Aotearoa NZ, who are fluent speakers of gagana Sāmoa and who are current or potential holders of Sāmoan matai title. You’ll already have a strong understanding of the fa’amatai protocols and practices, and wish to focus specifically on the oratory skills of a tulafale (speaking chief). The course is also suitable for those matai who hold an Ali’i (high chief) title who wish to gain further understanding of the art of Sāmoan oratory.

This course is taught in gagana Sāmoa, and is suitable for fluent Sāmoan speakers.

Enrol now

Course duration

Taught over 10 weeks, students will join a 2-hour tutor facilitated class per week, and spend at least 1 hour per week doing revision and practice. Courses are a total of 30 hours of learning and practice.

What you need to do the course

This course is taught online. Learners must have access to a digital device (preferably a computer or laptop and not a smart phone) and a stable internet connection. Minimum hardware requirements are in the FAQs.

Course content

This course is focused on the skill of Sāmoan oratory. It focuses on understanding the key aspects of oratory for common Sāmoan life events, such as birthdays, weddings, funerals, saufa’i, ‘ava etc. The course will cover:

• The cultural knowledge and understanding of these events
• Who is participating and in what capacity
• Crafting an appropriate lauga (speech).

Classes will include doing an analysis of a lauga, and then working to develop your own lauga using the key aspects (such as honorifics, alagaupu, bible quotes, fa’alupega references, local village knowledge and set memorised structures). You’ll learn how to address matai from various villages; faife’au and VIPs.

This is a practical course, and after completing it, learners will be able to demonstrate a prepared speech for a set role play (such as an ‘ava, or hosting VIPs).

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent residents and be over 16 years of age. This course is suited to adults who are already matai (a Sāmoan chief) or are considering becoming one. This course is suitable for those who are already fluent speakers of gagana Sāmoa.

Tutors

Your friendly tutors for this course:

Pacific Language Course Resources

We have a number of resources available to support you on your learning journey

Visit the shop