Language Overview

Introduction to Samoan Language

The Samoan language (Gagana Samoa) is a Polynesian language spoken by approximately 500,000 people worldwide, primarily in Samoa and American Samoa. It belongs to the Austronesian language family and shares similarities with other Polynesian languages like Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Māori.

Key Features

Samoan is characterized by:

• A relatively simple phonological system with 5 vowels and 10-14 consonants
• No grammatical gender or articles based on gender
• Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) word order
• Extensive use of particles to indicate tense, aspect, and mood
• A complex system of formal and informal registers

T-Language vs K-Language

One of the most distinctive features of Samoan is the existence of two pronunciation styles:

• Tautala lelei (T-language) – The formal or “good” language used in church, formal speeches, and written communication
• Tautala leaga (K-language) – The colloquial or everyday language used in informal conversations

The main difference is in pronunciation: where T-language uses “t” and “n”, K-language often uses “k” and “g”. For example:

• “tautala” (T) becomes “kaukala” (K) – meaning “to speak”
• “tanata” (T) becomes “kagaka” (K) – meaning “person”