Samoan language should be treasured

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 23 December 2016, 12:00AM

“Samoa is rich in its language and we should treasure that in our hearts.”

That’s the message from the author of a Samoan book, “E iloa oe i lau gagana,” launched on Wednesday. The author is Namulau’ulu Filipo Tau’ili’ili Reupena Tali, of Fusi Safotulafai.

The 62-year-old said we don’t need to have high qualifications to put together a book. 

“We all have the talent given to us by God and we should use it,” said Namulau’ulu. 

 “I don’t ask anyone, I write from my heart, and I believe that this should be shared to the world.” 

The book contains Samoan speeches, the meaning of Samoan terminologies and more.

Speaking about his journey, Namulau’ulu said compiling the book was not easy.

“It was quite challenging for me because I had been working for the past ten years so my time was more occupied with my commitment to work. This is why it took me years to do this,” he said.

Namulau’ulu had worked as a Liaison Officer from 1990-1993 to develop the Samoa Tourism Map. He said he used the opportunity to capture all different aspects of Samoa’s history. 

Consultations were carried out in all the different villages and there he also learnt the different use of our language.

Namulau’ulu also believed that Samoa is drifting away from God; the bond that we have in the past is starting to fade away. 

“Every morning you hear families singing hymns and pray to God for the new day and in the evening, however only the eco sound of the Catholic bell and other churches that you hear in the morning.” 

This is not the last of his writing. He is working on another book to be released soon.

The project cost $10,000. Namulau’ulu acknowledged the support from his family, namely Fanene Samau Sefo who not only supported him in putting together the book but also funded the project. 

The book is sold for $50 to the public and it’s made available at any bookshops or contact Namulau’ulu at 763-5547. 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 23 December 2016, 12:00AM
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