10 Sep 2012

Samoa's leader wants action from academics on strengthening the language

6:54 pm on 10 September 2012

The Samoan Prime Minister has called on the country's academics to establish policies and legislation to strengthen the Samoan language.

The call was made at a week-long exhibition of cultural treasures at the National University of Samoa.

The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says one of the biggest problems seen in Samoa is what he calls 'Englishing the Samoan' language yet there are Samoan words that can be used.

He says it's been more than 20 years since academics at the university came together to find ways to strengthen the Samoan language yet nothing concrete has been established.

And he says while Samoan is being taught in New Zealand schools, education officials in this country should seek guidance from Samoa.