AlterNative

The decline of the Samoan language that is spoken by Samoan people in New Zealand is ringing alarm bells for the Samoan community. It is a serious issue and a challenge that is now facing the Samoan people. A study conducted in South Auckland in 2002, titled `Languages of Manukau’ has concluded that Pasifika languages in New Zealand including the Samoan language are declining (Bell, Stark & Taumoefolau, 2002).  Further decline from 48% to 44% particularly in the case of New Zealand born Samoans who can speak Samoan was registered in the 2006 census (Collins, 2008). The objective of this paper is to examine practices and strategies collected from various narratives and comments the Samoan Talanoa Group brought to the discussion table. These stories reflect the situation and some of the causes of language loss and may lead to some effective strategies to minimize and address the issue that is now facing the Samoan people. Perhaps these practices will become  leading paradigms that will empower and reinforce the maintenance of the Samoan language in New Zealand.