Suitable for

This course is right for you if you’re a beginner learner who’s never spoken Tongan 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 Lea Faka-Tonga. It’s designed to help learners develop their language (Lea Faka-Tonga) and cultural knowledge of Tongan protocols and practices.

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 are in the FAQs.

Course content

Learners will gain the basic skills and knowledge of Lea Faka-Tonga at an introduction level, as well as get an introductory understanding of key Tongan cultural practices.

Students will learn key information essential in any Tongan 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 course covers simple introductions equivalent to hello, good morning, good afternoon and good evening.

You’ll gain an introduction into the language used at key Tongan 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 Lea Faka-Tonga, and act in a culturally appropriate way as expected in a Tongan context.

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent resident residing in NZ and be over 16 years of age, or 13 years of age with an adult approval and supervision. This can be a parent, guardian or sibling over the age of 16 who will attend the class with the 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 Samoa.

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 are in the FAQs.

Course content

In our online Tongan 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 Tongan life-events and customary gift giving to help build your understanding of Tongan cultural practices. Conversations will cover directions, places, seasons and enable you to present a simple opinion about a Tongan cultural practices.

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 Lea Faka-Tonga, but you should have a good understanding of the basics.

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent resident residing in NZ and be over 16 years of age, or 13 years of age with an adult approval and supervision. This can be a parent, guardian or sibling over the age of 16 who will attend the class with the 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 Tongan language skills, including cultural and historical knowledge. At Level 2, it’s expected that learners will have prior knowledge of Lea Faka-Tonga already.
Learners will explore and build cultural and historical knowledge while engaging, practicing speaking and listening.

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 are 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 Tonga and it’s leadership, as well as be able to demonstrate indigenous cultural and historical knowledge about Tonga. 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 Tongan cultural protocols within a formal setting.

Fees

Free

Entry requirements

Applicants must be NZ Citizens, or permanent resident residing in NZ and be over 16 years of age, or 13 years of age with an adult approval and supervision. This can be a parent, guardian or sibling over the age of 16 who will attend the class with the 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