The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project- Our Indigenous World: Samoan Westernization-Group 7: Language:

Monday, July 15, 2013

Language:

The Samoan people speak Polynesian language. The two major languages are English and Samoan. In Samoan culture, language preservation is extremely important because there was no official writing system developed in Ancient Samoa. The Matai uphold the responsibility of orally remembering the history of their language and proactively teach their people original Samoa. With the influence of European culture, contemporary Samoans are also fluent in English.

Bibliography:

Samoan Sensation

2004: The Samoan Language. Electronic document,

http://www.samoa.co.uk/samoan_language.html, accessed July 15, 2013.

1 comment:

UnknownJuly 29, 2013 at 12:09 AM
Reflection on Language

Samoans initially learned to speak English and developed a written form of Samoa through the aid of London missionaries. Some may argue that this was ethically questionable because Samoans were perfectly content developing their language with their own means and without written records. This is an example of prescriptive linguistics. European culture felt that Samoans were better off learning a written form of language so that they could read the bible.
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Background Information:
Welcome to the Samoan Islands, home
to some of the most beautiful islands and parks known to mankind. This island
has a rich history of interesting stories that delve into the Westernization of
a once native culture as well as the preservation of traditional Samoan
culture. Since the 1960’s, the Samoan Islands have experienced the influence of
Western European and American culture. However, although many traditions and
practices of the tribes of native Samoans are being compromised, the people of
Samoa actively work to preserve their cultural practices. Many Polynesians have
successfully fought for the preservation of their land, language, and culture
to leave their rightful mark on the Samoan Islands. In the Samoan Islands you
will find Americans, Westernized Samoans, and traditional Polynesians all
living together in an attempt to keep peace and work harmoniously.

Geographic Location:

The Samoan Islands are divided into two territories: Samoa and American Samoa. The American Samoa consists of seven islands that lie southwest of Hawaii. To the west of the American Samoa are the oldest Samoan Islands. Majority of Samoans reside on Tutuila, which is a well developed Urban area with the famous Pago Airport that welcomes many visitors. The next closest island is the Aun’u Island. To the East, there are the islands of Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’ u. These Islands are home to the world’s most beautiful beaches and are frequently visited by tourists. The original Samoan Islands lie farther west. They are the islands of Upolu, Apolima, and Savai’i. These areas have some of the richest tropical ecosystems that the Samoans have fought to protect over many decades.

Bibliography:

U.S. Department of the Interior

2010: Field Study of the Effects of the 29 September 2009 Samoa Tsunami

U.S Department of Commerce

Tuitila Map and American Samoan Information. Electronic document,

http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/obop/smo/smoinfo.html, accessed July 15th, 2013.

The Vision:

The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project’s vision is to create an online cross-cultural space for students, professionals, and youth to learn and exchange cross-culturally sensitive information about contemporary indigenous experiences. From that outsider student’s perspective, we will try to theoretically explore possible collaborative solutions to problems that affect the indigenous populations of our planet. Finally, we hope for the future creation of a space where indigenous youth can share their experiences and their realities with us for real mutual collaboration to take place