Languages

Samoan is the official language of Samoa, and it is spoken on the majority of the islands. With an estimated 510,000 speakers globally, Samoan is the oldest and most widely spoken Polynesian language. The phonological variations between official and informal dialogue, as well as ceremonial speech employed in Samoan oratory, are the most well-known features of the Samoan language. The language is closely related to other Polynesian languages, with numerous cognate vocabulary like tapu, 'ava, and atau, as well as numerals, in common.

The phonological variations between official and casual speech, as well as a ceremonial form employed in Samoan oratory, are prominent features of the language. English is the second language spoken on the island, and all residents are fluent in it. In Samoa, English is widely spoken and is primarily used for commercial communication. Many Samoans are fully fluent in both languages, so communication should be easy throughout your tropical vacation. However, it does not harm to try out any of the following phrases to show some passion and earn a smile from the locals.

Some samoan words & phrases:

Hello: Talofa (Tar-low-far)

Goodbye: Tofa (Tore-far)

Thank you: Fa'afetai (Far-ah-fay-tie)

How are you?: O a mai oe? (O-ar-my-o-he)