Language is not just a means of communication; it is the heartbeat of a culture. It holds within it the stories of our ancestors, the wisdom passed down through generations, and the deep connection we share with our heritage.

For Samoans, the Samoan language is not just a tool for everyday conversation but a cornerstone of our identity. Unfortunately, with the global dominance of English, many of us find ourselves losing touch with our roots. This is why schools need to prioritise teaching Samoan at the secondary level.

By doing so, students will not only understand and appreciate their culture better, but they will also find it much easier to adjust to the complexities of the language when they move on to university, especially when it comes to speaking in formal Samoan settings like folafola toonai, folafola sua, and lauga faafetai.

One of the most important reasons for prioritising Samoan in schools is to preserve and nurture our cultural identity. Language is more than just words; it is the essence of our worldview, our values, and our traditions. For a Samoan, the language is deeply tied to respect for elders, family bonds, and community. If we don’t learn and embrace the Samoan language at a young age, we risk losing an important part of who we are.

In secondary schools, students are at a critical stage of forming their identities. By offering Samoan as a core subject, we allow them to connect with their heritage and appreciate its value. Imagine a generation of young Samoans who speak with pride, understanding the deeper meanings behind their language. By encouraging them to learn Samoan, we help them appreciate not just their language but also the values and culture it represents.

As someone who didn’t take Samoan in high school and now finds themselves struggling in university, I can personally attest to the difficulties this causes. The transition from secondary school to university can be tough in many areas, but the challenge is even greater when you feel disconnected from your language and culture.

In university, the folafola toonai and folafola sua are integral parts of university life, particularly in Samoan-based universities or any setting where Samoan culture is important. These speeches are not just about speaking; they reflect respect, understanding, and cultural knowledge. If a student hasn’t had the chance to practice and learn the formal language used in these settings, they may feel self-conscious or, worse, disconnected from their culture.

When you don’t speak the language fluently or correctly, you may feel like an outsider, as though you don’t belong. I know the struggle of feeling like a “plastic” Samoan—someone who sounds more like a foreigner than a member of their community. That feeling can be discouraging, especially when you see peers who can speak Samoan fluently in formal settings. This is why it’s crucial to provide Samoan as a subject in secondary school. If students are exposed to the language early on, they can build their confidence, knowing that when they get to university, they will have the skills to participate fully in cultural ceremonies and activities.

Learning any language, especially one that has a distinct structure and vocabulary like Samoan, can be difficult. However, the earlier students start learning Samoan, the easier it becomes for them to master it. By making Samoan a compulsory or at least an optional subject in secondary schools, students will have ample time to practice and improve their skills before reaching university.

For students who might not have spoken much Samoan at home, taking it as a subject in school can provide them with the opportunity to learn both the everyday and formal uses of the language. This can help them in various aspects of life, from participating in family gatherings to understanding the language in academic settings. Without this early foundation, students who later try to pick up Samoan in university may find it difficult to catch up, and they might miss out on important cultural experiences.

Moreover, if Samoan is taught in a structured way in schools, students will have the chance to learn not just conversational Samoan but also the more formal aspects of the language, such as how to deliver lauga faafetai (thanksgiving speeches) and other traditional speeches. This knowledge will give them an edge in formal events and ceremonies, where fluency and respect for the language are highly valued.

The Samoan language is at risk of being replaced by English, especially among younger generations. As English continues to dominate the world, many Samoans are switching to English as their primary language of communication, even at home. If we don’t act now, we may see the Samoan language gradually fade away.

By introducing Samoan in secondary schools, we are giving students the tools they need to keep the language alive. Students who learn Samoan in school are more likely to use it in their daily lives and pass it on to their children. When students see their peers speaking Samoan, it helps normalize the use of the language. It also gives them a sense of pride in speaking it, knowing that they are contributing to the survival of their cultural heritage.

It’s time for educational institutions to recognize the importance of teaching Samoan at the secondary level. Samoan should not be treated as an optional subject or a secondary language but as a core part of our education system. Schools should not just teach Samoan as a way of communicating; they should teach it as a way of connecting students to their roots, to their culture, and their community.

By prioritising Samoan language education, schools can help students grow into well-rounded individuals who are confident in both their academic and cultural lives. They will be prepared for university, for public speaking, and for participating in the important traditions of our people.

In conclusion, prioritising Samoan in secondary schools is not just about teaching a language—it’s about preserving a culture, building confidence, and preparing students for success in university and beyond. By offering Samoan as a core subject, we can ensure that the next generation will have a strong connection to their heritage, be able to communicate with pride and participate fully in their cultural practices. The Samoan language is an integral part of who we are, and it’s time we make it a priority in our education system for the benefit of our children and our future.