Sāmoan Made Simple
By Jason Taita
Highly Recommended
Reviewed by Shelley Sutherland - Teacher
| Publisher: | Penguin Books NZ |
| ISBN: | 9781776950973 |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Publication: | May 2026 |
| Ages: | 12 + years |
| Themes: | Identity and Reconnection, Cultural Values (Fa'asāmoa), Language and Wellbeing |
Highly Recommended
Reviewed by Shelley Sutherland - Teacher
Opening sentence
To'aga e a'o lau gagana ina ia mālosi ai lou fa'asinomaga ma ia maua ai sou manuia.
(Keep learning your language so that your identity is strong and you will prosper).
'Sāmoan Made Simple' by Jason Tiatia is a helpful book for anyone interested in learning the Sāmoan language and understanding more about Sāmoan culture. The book provides a straightforward introduction to everyday Sāmoan words and phrases, making it useful for beginners and those wanting to strengthen their existing language skills.
One of the strengths of this book is its practical approach to learning. It helps readers build confidence in using Sāmoan in everyday situations, including greetings, conversations and communicating with others. The simple format makes the language feel less intimidating and encourages readers to practise at their own pace.
This book offers an opportunity to appreciate the importance of the Sāmoan language and its place in cultural identity and heritage. As an educator of Samoan students and whanau, I think it is also valuable for educators, students and anyone wanting to build stronger relationships with Sāmoan-speaking communities.
Sāmoan Made Simple is a very useful resource for people beginning their Sāmoan language journey. It encourages readers to develop their vocabulary, grow in confidence and take an interest in another language and culture. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a practical starting point for learning Sāmoan.
One of the strengths of this book is its practical approach to learning. It helps readers build confidence in using Sāmoan in everyday situations, including greetings, conversations and communicating with others. The simple format makes the language feel less intimidating and encourages readers to practise at their own pace.
This book offers an opportunity to appreciate the importance of the Sāmoan language and its place in cultural identity and heritage. As an educator of Samoan students and whanau, I think it is also valuable for educators, students and anyone wanting to build stronger relationships with Sāmoan-speaking communities.
Sāmoan Made Simple is a very useful resource for people beginning their Sāmoan language journey. It encourages readers to develop their vocabulary, grow in confidence and take an interest in another language and culture. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a practical starting point for learning Sāmoan.
| Publisher: | Penguin Books NZ |
| ISBN: | 9781776950973 |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Publication: | May 2026 |
| Ages: | 12 + years |
| Themes: | Identity and Reconnection, Cultural Values (Fa'asāmoa), Language and Wellbeing |