American Samoa has moved to officially recognise the Samoan language and give it equal standing in the U.S. territory similar to the English language.

The move follows the declaration of March as the "Samoan Language Month" which will be celebrated across the territory.

The Language Commission of American Samoa Executive Director, Peseta Vaaelua Tialuga Seloti, confirmed in an email to the Samoa Observer that the acting Governor of the territory, Talaulega E.V. Ale declared March to be the Samoan language month. 

"This is the first Month of Samoan Language in American Samoa," Peseta said in an email response to this newspaper. 

"Governor Lemanu Mauga signed a public law in April 2022 to establish a Samoan Language Commission.

"The Month of Samoan Language is an item in the list of commission activities to promote recognition of the Samoan language, as of equal importance with the English language in education, government, economic and social life of the people of American Samoa."

Peseta added that the theme of the Samoan Language Month is: “Faatumau ma ia olaola lau gagana” (preserve and keep your language vibrant.)

He said the overall outcome hoped for in spearheading such an event is to promote awareness as well asd a sense of responsibility to preserve and keep the Samoan language vibrant in the community at large, and to recognise Samoan language as equally important with the English language.

According to Peseta, the statistics on Samoan fluent speakers are outdated, and the territory's Samoan Language Commission has sanctioned another study to start by mid-year. 

The declaration by the territory's government indicated that a vibrant and robust use of the Samoan language supports the survival and development of the fa’a-Samoa. 

It also said that at least 90 per cent of American Samoans speak Samoan as their home language or their first language. However, a Samoan Language Survey in the territory in 2001 pointed to only 67 per cent of those interviewed as using Samoan to converse at home, which raised concerns.

The declaration also noted that by territorial law that the Samoan language was one of official languages in American Samoa and is recognised as of equal importance with the English language in education, government, economic and social life of the people of American Samoa. 

The declaration emphasised that knowledge and use of the Samoan Language is crucial in preparing individuals for more effective participation in this society and the Samoan way of life.