“Part of that is just making sure that the kids know who they are through their language and we know it opens up so much more when they do understand and participate and contribute” – Author Jason Tiatia
Known for his work to revitalise Gagana Samoa, education specialist Jason Tiatia has written a new book that allows anyone keen to learn the basics of the Sāmoan Language.
The book is called Sāmoan Made Simple and derives from the best-selling Māori Made Easy formula created by Scotty and Stacy Morrison.
A new resource for those keen to learn the language, it is described as fun, user-friendly and designed for modern readers.
Born and raised in Christchurch, Tiatia is a former New Zealand Sevens rugby player. He was raised in a family steeped in fa’a Samoa and had plenty of inspiration throughout his life, forming strong views on the preservation of the language.
“I’ve always been an advocate encouraging others to use the language socially, particularly with my own family and extended family,” he says.
“Sometimes it’s a real challenge to continue the language and hence the reason why I’ve written something, hopefully will contribute to this space a little bit more and for generations to come.”
The father of three says, together with his wife Tate (Ngāti Kahugunu), raising their children to speak both Gagana Samoa and Te Reo Māori is important.
“Part of that is just making sure that the kids know who they are through their language and we know it opens up so much more when they do understand and participate and contribute…and serve in that way.”
Tiatia says having his parents live with them is a blessing, passing their knowledge on to their grandchildren.
“They laugh and tell stories and cry in the language too. Equally they understand the need to continue themselves and I didn’t want to be responsible for one generation to lose it in mine.”
Lemoa Henry Fesuluai is Engagement and Partnerships Senior Manager at AUT University. He is a key figure in upholding Gagana Samoa through his work at the Centre for Pacific Languages (CPL) and also part of Tapasā – Teachers for Pacific Learners in New Zealand.
Lemoa says it is crucial we maintain our languages and is encouraged with the resource Tiatia has created, allowing another pathway for people to learn.
“Even as a competent, fluent, proficient speaker, I’m looking forward to sharing this with my family and bringing in my lens and how to sort of develop some of the one-liners that they have here,” he says.
“It affirms what I’m already doing as well and I try to ensure that I keep on doing it because I think that’s what’s good about the book, it’s saying to normalise it and keep consistent practice of the language.”
Speaking at the launch of Jason’s book at the CPL, CEO Fesaitu Solomone says the more resources that are available, the more it creates an avenue for family learning.
“The book is a great way to look through or learn what you know and can give you confidence to share and also test your knowledge in terms of gagana Samoa,” she says.
Dr Will Flavell, Principal at Māori charter school, Te Kāpehu Whetū Tamaki has been on his own journey to learn Gagana Samoa and is excited to share this new resource with his students.
“Being Maori Pasifika is a super power and we have the language within us,” he says.
“As Jason said, be intentional about it, it’s not a resource or a language you just put on the book shelf. You have to use it every day in the home in the workspace on the sports field in the community. It is really important to find the time to really utilise the language wherever possible.”
For Tiatia, Sāmoan Made Simple helps to keep Pacific languages alive.
“Look, what I’d say is, buy the book. But more importantly, you have to build confidence,” he says.
“I’ve had so many students in my classes as adults and they have to share the trauma or the shame of not knowing their language yet… the huge thing for me is just giving them the empowerment or the mana to give it back to them to say, ‘you’re doing it, you’re doing it already,’ I think they just need a few more people in their world to say that.”
