Gagana Samoa 101

Welcome

Gagana Samoa 101 is a beginner-friendly course created for those who want to learn Samoan in a way that is slow, respectful, and grounded in culture.

This course is especially for:

• Beginners learning Samoan for the first time

• Heritage learners reconnecting with the language

• Those who understand some Samoan but feel unsure speaking

• Anyone who wants to learn without pressure or shame
  
  

You don’t need any prior knowledge to begin.

About This Course

This course focuses on foundations — how Samoan sounds work, how words are read and pronounced, and how language carries meaning through respect and context.

Rather than rushing into complex grammar, Gagana Samoa 101 is designed to help you:

• Listen carefully

• Speak slowly

• Build confidence step by step
  
  

The aim of this course is confidence, not fluency.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of Gagana Samoa 101, you should feel more confident in your ability to:

• Read Samoan words aloud

• Pronounce vowels and sounds correctly

• Use simple greetings and everyday phrases

• Introduce yourself in Samoan

• Recognise when respect and context matter in language
  
  

How the Course Works

Gagana Samoa 101 is divided into modules, with each module containing a small number of short lessons.

Each lesson includes:

• Clear explanations

• Simple examples

• Speaking practice

• Cultural notes

• Optional practice
  
  

There are no tests, no deadlines, and no pressure to move quickly.

You’re encouraged to:

• Read slowly

• Say words out loud

• Revisit lessons whenever you need
  
  

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Sound & Reading

• Lesson 1: The Samoan Alphabet

• Lesson 2: Vowels & Vowel Length

• Lesson 3: Pronunciation & Stress
  
  

Module 2: First Words & Meaning

• Lesson 4: Essential Everyday Words

• Lesson 5: Numbers 1–10

• Lesson 6: People, Family & Respect
  
  

Module 3: Greetings & Identity

• Lesson 7: Greetings in Gagana Samoa

• Lesson 8: Introducing Yourself

• Lesson 9: Asking Simple Questions
  
  

Module 4: Sentence Building
(Gentle Introduction)

• Lesson 10: How Samoan Sentences Work

• Lesson 11: Simple Statements

• Lesson 12: Everyday Useful Phrases
  
  

Module 5: Language & Culture Together

• Lesson 13: Fa‘asāmoa & Respect in Language

• Lesson 14: Church, Family & Community Words

• Lesson 15: Review & Confidence Check
  
  

Before You Begin

Learning a language takes time, listening, and humility.

You don’t need to speak perfectly.
You don’t need to move quickly.
You don’t need to know everything.

Showing up, trying, and listening carefully is enough.

Start the Course

When you’re ready, begin with the first lesson below.

Lesson 1: The Samoan Alphabet →

Final note

If at any point this course feels like too much, that’s okay. You’re always welcome to step back, explore language reflections, or simply observe how Samoan is spoken around you.

Language grows through listening, use, and respect — not perfection.

Language is more than words —
it carries respect, relationships, and the way we see one another.