Lauga: Understanding Samoan oratory

by Sadat Muaiava

Overview

Lauga or Samoan oratory is a premier cultural practice in the fa‘asamoa (Samoan culture), a sacred ritual that embodies all that fa‘asamoa represents, such as identity, inheritance, respect, service, gifting, reciprocity and knowledge. Delivered as either lauga fa‘amatai (chiefly speeches) or lauga fa‘alelotu (sermons), lauga is captivating and endowed with knowledge, praxis and skill. Lauga is enjoyed by many, but today many Samoan people, especially in the Samoan diaspora, also remain disconnected from it and lack proficiency in its rhetorical inventory. It is critical that the knowledge and skills that underpin lauga are retained. This accessible book explains the intricacies of lauga and its key stages and is an ideal companion for those who may be called upon to speak at significant occasions, those wanting to improve their knowledge and skills, and all those interested in fa‘asamoa. The insights of its expert author and 20 guest writers, many of whom are well-known and respected orators, combine to share knowledge and uphold a vital practice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780995138445
Publisher:	Te Papa Press
Publication date:	06/09/2022
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr Sadat Muaiava lectures in the School of Languages and Cultures at Victoria University of Wellington. He was born in Samoa and holds the matai titles Le‘ausalilo (Falease‘ela), Lupematasila (Falelatai), Fata (Afega), and ‘Au‘afa (Lotofaga, Aleipata). His research focus is the interdisciplinary domains of the Samoan (and Pacific) language and culture in the homeland, the Pacific, and in diasporic contexts. He has contributed widely and publicly in forums that discuss Samoan language, oratory, tattooing and history.

Table of Contents

'Upu Tomua Foreword 6

Fa'amanuia Preface 12

Fa'atomuaga Introduction 14

1 Fofola Sa The folasaga of a lauga 55

2 Pa'ia 'O Le Aso Fa'alupega (honorifics) in lauga 91

3 'Ava '"O lau 'ava lea, le Atua!" "This 'ava is for you, Lord!" 131

4 Fa'afetai "Tali 'i lagi se ao 'o lou maio" "Your share of the government will come from the heavens" 159

5 Taeao Shades of dark and light 205

6 'Autu 'O Le Lauga (Aso) Contextualising lauga 253

7 Fa'amatafi Clearing of skies for good health 285

Nona Concluding each section of a lauga 298

'Upu Ma Uiga Glossary 303

'Oto'otoga E Uiga 'I Le Tusitala About the author 306

Fa'amatalaga 'I Tusitala About the contributors 307

Fa'amalo Ma Le Fa'afetai Acknowledgements 315

Fa'amatalaga Fa'aopoopo Index 319