Language

Samoan is the official language of Samoa, and it is spoken on the majority of the islands. With an estimated 510,000 speakers worldwide, Samoan is the oldest and most spoken Polynesian language. The phonological differences between formal and informal discussion, as well as ceremonial speech used in Samoan oratory, distinguish the Samoan language. The language is closely related to other Polynesian languages, with many cognate words such as tapu, 'ava, atau, and numerals shared.

The Samoan language is written in a 14-letter latin alphabet. F, G, L, M, N, P, S, T, and V are among the consonants. A, E, I, O, and U are among the vowels. Even if several vowels appear next to each other within a word, they are all sounded out. The village of Nu'uuli, for example, is pronounced New-u-u-lee.

Samoan Sign Language is also widely used among Samoa's deaf population. During the 2017 International Week of the Deaf, elementary Samoan Sign Language was taught to members of the Samoa Police Service, Red Cross Society, and the general public to emphasize the importance of full inclusion through sign language.

English is widely spoken in Samoa and is primarily used for business correspondence. Many Samoans are fluent in both languages, so you should have no trouble communicating during your tropical vacation. However, it doesn't hurt to try out some of the following phrases to show some enthusiasm and win a smile from the locals.