PART I: Fa‘aaloalo
Please answer all of these
questions and add your own reflections:
- What is the meaning of fa‘aaloalo, especially within the context of Samoan culture?
- What are vāfealoa‘i? What are some examples? Why are they important with regards to fa‘aaloalo?
- What is the relationship of fa‘aaloalo to alofa and to vāfealoa‘i?
- How do all these concepts/values relate to each other?
- Why is fa‘aaloalo important in Samoan culture? How is fa‘aaloalo expressed in both gagana (language) and aganu‘u (culture)?
- Should Samoan fa‘aaloalo be taught and perpetuated, especially to younger generations and why?
- List ten (10) rules of etiquette in Samoan culture and the rationale behind their existence.
- How does the Samoan view of fa‘aaloalo (especially the rules previously mentioned) differ from American/Western ideas about ettiquette?
- What are your own thoughts on fa‘aaloalo fa‘asāmoa?
Please remember to add your own
reflections to your responses and do not just state facts or repeat what was
discussed in class. Add in your own insight about the topic.
PART II: Feagaiga
Please answer all of these questions and add your own reflections:
- What is the meaning of the feagaiga?To what does it refer? To whom does it refer (Who is the feagaiga)?
- List at least four (4) responsibilities of brothers to their sisters.
- List at least four (4) roles of the sisters in relation to their brothers.
- List at least four (4) restrictions between brothers and sisters in their vāfeagai.
- Why is the feagaiga between the brother and sister important in Samoan culture?
- How is the feagaiga useful or not useful in modern society?
- What are your own thoughts about the feagaiga?
Kayla Wartner- Samoan 201
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of fa’aaloalo in terms of Samoan culture means respect. It is the most important aspect and the foundation of Samoan culture. It is constantly practiced and seen around the fa’asamoa.
Va fealoa’i means maintaining good relationships, socially. These relationship dictate how each person should act in particular relationships and the proper etiquette that should be withheld within the relationships. For example, brother and sister relationships, husband and wife relationships, and God and human relationships all have certain types of etiquette to withhold. These relationships are so important in maintaining fa’aaloalo in the Samoan culture because it helps to establish terms of respect in certain relationships.
Fa’aaloalo is demonstrated through alofa and understanding and in va fealoa’i. These concepts and values tie together through cultural practices, gatherings, and many other types of social interactions. When relationships are important to you and your culture, they are easy to demonstrate in everyday life and in everyday relationships.
These concepts- love and respect- all tie in with each other because both of these concepts are very important in Samoan culture. Relationships, no matter what kind, are meant to be filled with love, compassion, and respect for each other in Samoan culture. Their love and respect for each other is meant to be selfish and that is demonstrated through their relationships in their culture.
Fa’aaloalo is such an important thing in Samoan culture because that is the base of their culture. Fa’aaloalo is how they act in relationships and how they determine how they behave with each other. It is important because it brings order to society by making sure that each person plays a certain role and obeys certain unwritten rules in every type of relationship that they encounter throughout their culture. Fa’aaloalo is expressed through gagana (language) gagana ta’atele (the common language), gagana fa’aaloalo (the respectful language), and gagana matai (the chiefly language). The language that is spoken during a particular situation depends on who you are speaking to. It is always necessary to speak respectfully to each other, but each type of language is a different type of respectful.
Fa’aaloalo should be taught to younger generations, definitely! Respect is so important, no matter what type of culture it is a part of. Not only should respect be taught to younger generations, but humility should be taught as well. Both of those aspects are so important to teaching younger generations, those aspects make better people.
10 rules of etiquette in Samoan culture:
1. If you walk in front of a person, you must say tulou” (excuse me)
2. When going to a house, as a guest, you must bring a gift to give to the family. In return, the family will give you the best and most expensive gift they have.
3. Give up your seat to elders
4. Always greet, say good bye, or congratulate everyone
5. Do not eat while standing
6. Remove your shoes before entering a house
7. Ask permission before leaving a house or classroom
8. Respect people at all times
9. Lower yourself to same height as the person you are wishing to speak with
10. Apologize for grievances you have committed towards others
Fa’aaloalo is different in western cultures because many of the younger generations are not taught respect towards elders, or anyone else. Women and men are meant to eat together, no one says excuse me if they walk in front of someone unless they bump into them. Many people in Western cultures do not ask for permission to leave a room or classroom if they need to.
Part II
ReplyDelete4 responsibilities for brothers to their sisters:
1. Fulfill any of the sister’s wishes.
2. Provide for her safety and well-being
3. Protect her secredness and dignity
4. Perform the heavy work, cook dinner for the family
4 responsibilities for sisters to their brothers:
1. Cheer on her brother
2. Preserve her purity until she marries
3. Advising important manners in a family situation
4. Bless or curse her brothers, his wives, or children
4 restrictions between brothers and sisters:
1. Not allowed to sleep together
2. Not allowed to eat together
3. Brother is not allowed to wear or touch the clothes of his sisters
4. Brother is forbidden to swear to their sister
The feagaiga between brother and sister is important in Samoan culture because it provides a strong and sacred relationship between each other that lasts forever. Feagaiga is useful in modern culture because it shows respect between siblings and it is the start and base of learning about respect. It is the starting pursuit of learning and practicing respect. I think feagaiga is a very important in any aspect of culture. Feagaiga should be implemented in every part of every culture.
Kayla Wartner- Samoan 201
Alexander Lewicki
ReplyDeletePart 2
The term feagaiga refers to the sacred brother and sister relationship in Samoan culture. This sacred bond is inherited with a number of rules and ideals of fa’aloalo. Much of the respect is owed towards sisters, on the account of the brother.
1. The brother must always serve the sister before himself.
2. The brother must lift anything heavy for the sister.
3. The brother must always protect the sister.
4. The brother must ask for acceptance of his bride upon marriage.
The sisters also have some roles in their brothers lives.
1. Can deny the brother acceptance of his potentional marriage. Curse the brothers wife.
2. Takes priority in terms of sleeping arrangements. If there aren’t enough beds, the brother has to find somewhere else to sleep.
3. Is constantly protected by her brother
4. Holds the ability to make important decisions over her brother.
Some restrictions to this brother/sister relationship
1.They cannot sleep in the same area.
2. They must always maintain their fa’aloalo and maintain a good vafeagai.
3. Even in marriage their particular vafeagai will take priority over marriage.
4. They are customarily not supposed to eat together.
The feagaiga is so important because of the role that brothers and sisters share in each other’s lives. They play a crucial role in mentoring each other, because of how close their families are. It’s useful in modern society, because everyone could be a little more respectful to his or her brother/sister. I personally think that this strict relationship in Samoan life is personally beneficial to each the brother and sister, and could definitely be beneficial in modern times.
Alexander Lewicki
ReplyDeletePart 1
Fa’aloalo is the Samoan term/word for respect. It literally refers to the womb or the space in front of a person, which in Samoan culture is sacred and valued. Vafealoa’I refers to the particular relationships in Samoan family life, which are essential and must be maintained. Specifically some of the most important vafealoa’I are the relationship between the parents and children, brothers and sisters, and between male and female members throughout the family. An example is the respect that a brother must show towards his sister, even after he is married. The respect (fa’aloalo) that family members must show towards each other is really emphasized for maintaining good vafealoa’i. Fa’aloalo (respect) and alofa (love) are essential aspects associated with maintaining the vafealoa’I relationships. Love and respect are both necessary in order to perpetuate the closeness and significant relationships in Samoan culture. These relationships (vafealoa’i) are among the most culturally significant aspects of Samoan culture and life. Fa’aloalo is so important to Samoan culture because it is so necessary to the Samoan family relationships that they hold so true. Samoans value their family above all, and this mutual fa’aloalo and alofa are crucial to maintaining the good relationships that they need. This fa’aloalo is so important to culture that it denotes many of its own rules and exceptions to the language. For instance when referring to an elder family member, one would use a completely different set of words to show the respect for that person. The significance of the fa’aloaalo to the aganu’u of Samoa is clear with the distinction of particular words and phrases for showing fa’aloalo, as well as it being evident in the relationships and everyday life of Samoans. Because of this, fa’aloalo should definitely be taught and perpetuated to the younger generations. Fa’aloalo is such a central aspect of Samoan culture that it would be a shame to see it be neglected and forgotten in its future generations. Fa’aloalo defines the lives and relationships in Samoan culture, and is crucial to maintaining healthy family life and etc. So it must be taught and maintained by the future generation otherwise it would be a sad injustice to the ancestors and future generations of Samoans both living in Samoa and around the world. In particular there are a lot firmer and stricter expected lines of respect in Samoan culture compared to Western culture. The idea that men do the primary job of cooking is definitely the opposite of the stereotype in western culture. Also the idea that the children serve the elders, seems to be quite opposite of the general experience in western culture. But all in all I wish people in western culture showed as much respect for each other as they do in Samoa.
10 rules in Samoan Culture
1.Always bow and say tulou when walking in front of someone. Sign of respect for the alo.
2. Men serve the women. Part of the vafealoa’i
3. Elders always eat before the children. Vafealoa’i
4. Use distinctive respect terms when talking towards elders.
5. Never stand with your back turned to someone.
6. Men and women sleep in separate areas of the house.
7. Never stand and talk to someone sitting, and the inverse. Always make sure you are on the same level as a sign of mutual respect.
8. Always give thanks and prayers before meals.
9. Brothers owe ultimate respect towards their sisters.
10. Never swear, especially in front of an elder.
Part I
ReplyDeleteFa’aaloalo means respect in Samoan. Fa’aaloalo is the basis for the Samoan culture which revolves around respect.
Va fealoa’I means to keep good relations with everyone. Some examples are the relationship between brother and sister, elders and youth, and parents and children. Respect is very important in the Samoan culture and Va Fealoa’I helps people understand how to respectfully talk to one another depending on their ranking or position in life.
Fa’aaloalo relates to alofa and va fealoa’I because good social relationships and love are very important in the Samoan culture and you demonstrate this through fa’aaloalo or respect for one another. I think fa’aaloalo should be taught to the younger generation. I think people who grow up in Hawaii grow up in sort of the same cultural concept where kids are taught to respect others however this is fading away with each generation.
Fa’aaloalo is expressed is the Samoan language through the three different types of language. Gagana ta’atele (common language) the gagana fa’aaloalo (respect language), Gagana matai (chief language). Depending on who your talking to and their position in society you use different languages to always show respect.
1. Take off shoes when entering homes
2. Help elderly people, give up your seat on the bus ect.
3. Lowering ones self to the level of the person you are talking to
4. Not raisin your voice after dark to show respect for others families
5. Lowering your self or saying tulou when passing in front of others
6. Sitting down when eating
7. Greet others
8. Ask permission before taking/using things
9. Avoid walking in front of others, front is considered a sacred place
10. Always take a gift when visiting someones family
Samoan culture is based on respect and this is a great system that keeps society in order and people living with good social relationships. I like that fa’aaloalo keeps people in order and teaches kids respect and kindness. It is the right thing to do and many conflicts and problems even today can be solved if people were just a little more respectful to each other.
Part II
The feagaiga is the relationship between brother and sister. The sister in Samoan culture holds the sacredness in the family. The brother sister relationship is one of the most important relationships in the Samoan culture. Both have a responsibility to each other. The brother sister relationship lasts forever and the respect demanded from both in the Samoan culture is very different from other cultures.
Four responsibilities of brothers to sisters
1. Provide for sisters safety and well being
2. Protect her pa’ia and mamalu
3. Serve sisters before himself
4. Do cooking and heavy work
Four roles of sisters to brothers
1. Cheer on her brothers
2. Preserve her sacredness and honor until marriage
3. Wish well her brothers, and their families
4. Make important decisions
Four brother sister restrictions
1. Brothers and sisters were not allowed to sleep together
2. Brothers were not allowed to touch his sisters clothing
3. Brothers and sisters were not allowed to eat together
4. They were not allowed to watch performances together
Having good social relationships is very useful in today’s society. The brother sister relationship lasts forever and the respect shown between them is a good example for any family relationship. The fa’aaloalo and feagaiga should be taught in all cultures, societies would be much more peaceful and respectful.
PART I: Fa‘aaloalo
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of fa‘aaloalo is respect one self and others.
Va fealoa'i is the connection between people. It’s the spatial relationship between father and mother, sister and brother, elder and child.
The relationship of fa‘aaloalo to alofa and to vāfealoa‘i is the love and support you give to someone, to be passionate and willing as well as supportive to culture.
All these concepts/ values relate to each other by the greater meaning of fa’asamoa, the enlightening manner of life for the communities of Samoa.
Fa‘aaloalo is important in Samoan culture because its taught as a community be respectful and show reciprocity. Fa‘aaloalo expressed in gagana (language) by three parts, the common language, chiefly language, and the respect language. Aganu‘u (culture) can be expressed with love, kindness, and compassion through action.
Yes, Samoan fa‘aaloalo be taught and perpetuated, especially to younger generations because it’s better to engrave it while children are willing to accept and learn.
• List ten (10) rules of etiquette in Samoan culture and the rationale behind their existence.
1. Demonstrate to others a form of respect
2. Bow your head and say tulou when you walk infront of someone.
3. When someone is talking to you when sitting down, sit down too.
4. Enter a house being barefoot.
5. Offer and share your food to others.
6. Offer a seat to the elderly.
7. When leaving the classroom, ask for permission
8. Greet people with Malo, and say Tofa to say bye.
9. Help others when they need any assistance.
10. Learn to apologize if committed any wrong doings.
The Samoan view of fa‘aaloalo is the way of life and from the American/Western idea is that is taught in school.
I like this idea of fa‘aaloalo fa‘asāmoa, to get respect you must give it.
PART II: Feagaiga
• The meaning of the feagaiga is the relationship of the brother and sister, it refers to the sister.
• List at least four (4) responsibilities of brothers to their sisters.
1. Brother must protect his sister.
2. Brother must do all the physical labor.
3. Brother must cook for the sister.
4. Borther must abide to sisters wishes.
• List at least four (4) roles of the sisters in relation to their brothers.
1.Sister must cheer for brother
2. Bless or curse her brothers and his wives and childrens
3. Prepare the mat
4. Preserve her purity until marriage
• List at least four (4) restrictions between brothers and sisters in their vāfeagai.
1. They cant eat together
2. They can’t sleep together
3. Brother cant wear any clothes of his Sister
4. Brothers can’t swear to at their sister
• The feagaiga between the brother and sister important in Samoan culture because it’s a scared importance of the family for the brother to project sister over everything.
• The feagaiga is useful in modern society because it’s the foundation of protecting your sister as a brother.
• My own thoughts about the feagaiga is it’s a respectful way to grow as a family. I believe it should be embrace in all ethnicity.
Part I
ReplyDeleteFa'aaloalo is a integral part of the Samoan culture. What it means in Samoan is respect. It is instilled in daily life of every Samoan and it is involved somehow in everything Samoan people do. It is the standard of what every Samoan lives by. Respect can come in terms of respecting others, teaching kids discipline and incorporating values.
Vāfealoa‘i is the relationship between people of the Samoan community. It can be from your family members, to people of your village, to god. It is about maintaing this good relationship between others. Alofa means love in Samoan. Alofa, Vāfealoa‘i, and Fa'aaloalo all tie in together to maintain a healthy and happy relationship because Samoans are very community oriented and are always helping each other out and not just themselves. To love each other and to be selfless to one another.
Faaloalo is important to the Samoan culture because it is the standard of how Samoans live and how they act towards one another. It brings order into society so people dont go crazy and fight each other. Faʻaaloalo is expressed in both gagana (language) and aganuʻu (culture). The language by talking respectfully to others, to your elders. It is classified into 3 parts, gagana taʻatele, the common language, gagana matai, the chiefly language, and gagana faʻaaloalo, the respect language. If gagana is the talking aganuʻu is demonstrated through actions, like bowing in front of others because it is disrespectful to be in front of others and saying tulou.
Fa'asamoa should definitely be taught to younger generations, or they will become bad, disrespectful and do bad things. It teaches children to be discipline, of how to behave and such. It so everyone can live with one another in peace and harmony.
List ten (10) rules of etiquette in Samoan culture.
Sit down and talk, dont stand and talk.
When going in front of others, bow your head and say tulou.
Respect others.
Take off shoes/slippers when entering house.
Do not eat in the presence of others and not offer others your food.
Give up your seats to elders/adults in the house or bus.
Ask permission before leaving house.
Greet, farewell, thanks to others.
Offer help to elderly people.
Apologize for your wrongdoing you made to others.
I guess the american view and the samoan view differ by the american view being less discipline than the samoan view. People have lots of freedom in the american view so not everyone are instilled with the same values as every samoan. In American view it is not disrespectful to walk in front of someone and not everyone will give up their seats. People are more freely to do what they want in the Western view.
My thought about Faasamoa and faa'aloalo is it is awesome. I think its great to have that discipline and respect being taught. They'll be less crime and more peace and harmony. So I think its a great thriving society where everyone is nice to each other.
Part II
ReplyDeleteFeagaiga is the relationship between brother and sister. The feagaiga is the sister, and it is the brother job is to protect and respect them.
Brother to sister:
1. Provide for her safety and well-being.
2. Protect her sacredness and dignity.
3. Cook for her.
4. Push potential suitors away from her.
Sister to Brother:
1. Cheer brother on.
2. Bless and curse her brother.
3. Preserve her purity til marriage
4. Advise important matter among family situations
4 restrictions between brother and sister.
1. Cannot eat together
2. Cannot sleep together.
3. Brother cannot wear or touch sister clothing
4. Brother cannot swear at sister.
The feagaiga is important in the samoan culture because it is the brother's job to protect the sister. I think it is useful in modern society because I think its right for the man to protect the woman, in this case brother to sister. To teach respect for the woman from the men so we dont have things like rape and stuff. But I do feel the responsibilities is very imbalanced. I feel like the brothers does a lot for the sister I feel like cook for her and do whatever she says. So I feel the responsibilities should be less intense because when I saw what the brother does for her sister, it is a whole lot aside from protect her and being good to her. And when the sister marries she does that for her husband. I feel it should be a little more balanced.
Aaron Toman
ReplyDeleteSAM 201 - 005
Part 1:
• What is the meaning of fa‘aaloalo, especially within the context of Samoan culture?
Fa’aaloalo means respect. Within the Samoan culture everything revolves around respect. In the way you act, the way you treat people, and the way you talk. This is strange to my culture because when we grow up, we are taught that you earn respect and aren’t automatically given it.
• What are vāfealoa‘i? What are some examples? Why are they important with regards to fa‘aaloalo?
Vafealoa’i means the relationships between people. Some examples are the relationships between brothers and sisters, and the relationship between parents and children. It is important in regard to fa’aaloalo because there is always a great amount of respect between these relationships in the way they treat each other.
• What is the relationship of fa‘aaloalo to alofa and to vāfealoa‘i?
The relationship between these 3 is that when you have alofa for someone, you respect them and that is a vafealoa’i between you and the person that you have alofa for.
• How do all these concepts/values relate to each other?
They all fit together because they all intertwine. If you don’t have fa’aaloalo for someone, then you can’t have alofa for them, and if you don’t have that, then you can’t have a vafealoa’i between the people.
• Why is fa‘aaloalo important in Samoan culture? How is fa‘aaloalo expressed in both gagana (language) and aganu‘u (culture)?
It is important because it is a root of samoan culture. Without fa’aaloalo there is no fa’asamoa. Fa’aaloalo is expressed in the way you speak, especially what words you use, depending on who you are talking to. In the culture, it effects how you act and what you do, depending on each individual situation.
• Should Samoan fa‘aaloalo be taught and perpetuated, especially to younger generations and why?
Yes, it should be. It is important for cultures to continue their ways, because if they aren’t passed on, then they are forgotten. Plus it is a lot easier to practice every day, rather than every once in a while.
• List ten (10) rules of etiquette in Samoan culture and the rationale behind their existence.
1. Sit when eating – disrespectful to not.
2. Use respectful words – use towards anyone other than peers
3. don’t use bad words towards chiefs – it is disrespectful
4. men do work – so sisters/women don’t have to
5. elders are fed first – respectful
6. be lower than who you are talking to – its respectful
7. never wear shoes on mats – its disrespectful
8. enter in front of house – never enter from back.
9. ask permission to enter house – need to ask
10. women don’t show malu – it’s your sacredness.
• How does the Samoan view of fa‘aaloalo (especially the rules previously mentioned) differ from American/Western ideas about ettiquette?
It differs because in samoan culture it means a lot, and it is just automatically given to everyone and in western culture it is earned by a person.
• What are your own thoughts on fa‘aaloalo fa‘asāmoa?
My own thoughts are that it is a little weird, but since most of my friends are samoan, it is not that weird to me. Like it’s a lot different from what I’ve grown up with, but it is not different from what I’ve grown to learn.
Aaron Toman
ReplyDeleteSAM 201 -005
Part 2:
• What is the meaning of the feagaiga? To what does it refer? To whom does it refer (Who is the feagaiga)?
It is the relationship between a brother and a sister. It refers to the sister. She is the feagaiga.
• List at least four (4) responsibilities of brothers to their sisters.
1. To protect sister’s sacredness.
2. Redeem a sister’s sacredness, if someone takes it.
3. feed sisters.
4. protect sister’s in general.
• List at least four (4) roles of the sisters in relation to their brothers.
1. Curse brother’s wife.
2. Final choice on brother’s wife
3. Spiritual responsibilities
4. respect brothers
• List at least four (4) restrictions between brothers and sisters in their vāfeagai.
1. Never wear each other’s clothes
2. don’t sleep in same room
3. don’t eat together
4. don’t use bad words towards each other
• Why is the feagaiga between the brother and sister important in Samoan culture?
Because it is one of the most common relationships and it has the most responsibilities, such as protecting and cursing.
• How is the feagaiga useful or not useful in modern society?
Its useful because they can still protect each other and watch over each other.
• What are your own thoughts about the feagaiga?
It’s is also a slightly weird relation to me because even thought I respect my sister and protect her. It is not the same thing or the same responsibilities as in the samoan culture.
Part II:
ReplyDeleteFeagaiga is the sacred bond between brother and sister. It is the most important bond that we learned about and is a life long relationship that contains the highest levels of respect and love for each other. The feagaiga is more important even than the relationship between husband and wife. The brother is to stand up for the sister and protect her sacredness and the sister is to be a moral supporter of her brother.
4 responsibilities brother to sister:
1. Provide safety and wellbeing
2. Protect her sacredness and honor
3. Do the heavy work and cooking
4. Serve her
4 responsibilities sister to brother:
1. Cheer him on
2. Preserve her purity until marriage
3. Bless and or curse her brother
4. Make good decisions in family situations
4 Restrictions:
1. Not allowed to eat together
2. Not allowed to sleep together
3. Brothers not allowed to wear or touch Lava-lava or clothes of sister (purity)
4. Brothers were forbidden to swear to/about/in front of sister
Feagaiga is important in the Samoan culture because it is a lasting relationship and is the most important and sacred relationship in the culture. Feagaiga is very important in modern culture because no matter what the one thing that you will be connected to is your family. It is important for people to know this and to respect their siblings because they are not chosen but given to you as a tool to help you along the way. Whether in tough times or good times having siblings that respect each other and care about one another will always be of value.
Part I:
ReplyDeleteIn the Samoan culture fa’aaloalo means respect. It is the most important aspect of the Samoan culture and is practiced each day by the people. Fa’aaloalo is practiced through greetings, meetings, meals, and even simply when a stranger walks by. The main phrase that we learned when talking about respect was, “praise others but humble yourself.”
Va fealoa’i is a term that represents the importance of maintaining good social relationships. These relationships can be anything from brother-sister, mother-father, father-son, etc., and also includes god-human relationships. Each relationship has its separate importance and has etiquette and proper rules that are to be followed and practiced everyday. Va fealoa’i is a practice of great importance in terms of fa’aaloalo because it represents respect in the relationships that you have.
After understanding the meanings of the words fa’aaloalo and va fealoa’i it is easy to connect them both and understand the relationship between those two words and alofa. Alofa in Samoan means love. In order to practice fa’aaloalo, alofa must be present and when alofa is present you will have and maintain va fealoa’i.
These all connect together and work harmoniously in the daily lives of the Samoan people. They each have separate importance but together make up the values of the Samoan culture. Having good relationships are all about showing love and respect to those in the relationship. By having a mutual respect it is easy to reciprocate the aspects of alofa, fa’aaloalo, and va fealoa’i.
Fa’aaloalo is the most important part of Samoan culture. Without this respect much of their cultural practices would not be as important. It is represented through language and through culture. It is shown through language by the way we are to talk to elders. The three types of language are the common language (gagana taʻatele), the chiefly language (gagana matai), and the respect language (gagana faʻaaloalo). The respect language is used when talking to your elders and is different from how you would speak to your peers. An example of fa’aaloalo in language is simply by they way we ask someone’s name and how we respond to being asked that same question. When asking someone’s name we use the word suafa and when responding we use igoa. An example of it being used in culture is how it is proper to stoop down when walking in front of someone and by excusing yourself when you must do so. In this example respect is reciprocated by the person responding, to let the walker know that it is okay and is forgiven for their actions.
Yes, it is very important for young generations to learn about fa’aaloalo because that is the way that culture is passed along. Children learn from a young age and then are able to understand the meanings of fa’aaloalo, alofa, and va fealoa’i.
1. Respect other people at all times- (fa’aaloalo)
2. When entering into a house, remove shoes/slippers. Shows you have respect and manners.
3. When walking in front of people or passing in front of people, lower yourself and excuse yourself by saying “tulou” or “tulou lava.”- Shows you have respect for others.
4. Do not eat in the presence of others and not offer. Shows respect to yourself and your peers.
5. Give up your seats to elders/adults in the house or bus. Shows respect and how much you care.
6. Do not stand and eat.
7. Greet, say farewell, thanks to others. Shows you have manners.
8. Never talk to others while standing, especially to elders and chief. Sit down and talk. Shows you don’t hold yourself above them.
9. Ask permission before leaving house or classroom. Shows respect to teacher.
10. Apologize for any grievances you made towards others. Shows you are remorseful.
PART I: Continued
ReplyDeleteSamoan and Western culture are very different especially in regards to fa’aaloalo. In western cultures respect is not something that is taught by everyone. My family taught me when I was young to respect all people around me, but it was not in the same regards necessarily as the fa’asamoa. In Samoan culture fa’aaloalo is taught at home but is enforced by all. In our culture we do not have a unified way of respecting others. There are a few values that we try to enforce across the board, like respecting elders and allowing them to have your seat, but it is not quite the same as Samoan culture. Most of the rules that I have listed I have learned about growing up but they are more strictly followed in the Samoan culture.
Learning about the Samoan culture was a very interesting part of the year and I learned a lot about why some of the language is the way that it is. It is a special respect that people have for each other and it is a common practice it does not vary from family to family it is unified fa’aaloalo.
Fa’aaloalo:
ReplyDelete“Fa’aaloalo” is the Samoan word for respect, it is apart of the foundation of the Samoan culture and is taught from birth to be a shared relationship between its people. Fa’aaloalo is found at any Samoan gatherings and is used in the way greet one another to how we share our food. Va fealoa’I refers to creating and maintaining good social relationships, not only between family and community but as well as spiritually/Atua (God). Va fealoa’I is attained by using fa’aaloalo, if one is respectful, uses alofa in his relationships, va feloa’I should be easily attainable. All these concepts relate to a Samoan’s daily behavior, how the culture expects its people to act. The Samoan person, hold themselves at a higher standard of respect for each other, as well as their heritage and is shown by the ancient values they still hold dear. Respect “fa’aaloalo is expressed not only in action but in the samoan language (gagana) and in culture (aganu’u) as well. The language is classified into 3 parts, (gagana taʻatele) the common language, (gagana matai) the chiefly language, and (gagana faʻaaloalo) the respect language. Gagana faʻaaloalo is often used when talking to someone who is elder or above you, and not referred to yourself. I believe all cultures have their own fa’aaloalo and is up to the parents to teach the children the respect for culture and one another, that without strong parenting it won’t matter what culture we’re in. Western Culture seems to have become greedy, not caring for others as much as yourself, including all the rules listed below there are few I wasn’t taught as a child, it’s how we express them on the daily basis.
1. Respect other people at all times- (fa’aaloalo)
2. When entering into a house, remove shoes/slippers.- Shows you have respect and manners.
3. When walking in front of people or passing in front of people, lower yourself and excuse yourself by saying “tulou” or “tulou lava.”- Shows you have respect for others.
4. Do not eat in the presence of others and not offer.- Shows respect to yourself and your peers.
5. Give up your seats to elders/adults in the house or bus.- Shows respect and how much you care.
6. Offer help to elderly people.- Makes their day
7. Greet, say farewell, thanks to others.- Shows you have manners.
8. Never talk to others while standing, especially to elders and chief. Sit down and talk.- Shows you don’t hold yourself above them.
9. Ask permission before leaving house or classroom.- Shows respect to teacher.
10. Apologize for any grievances you made towards others.- Shows you are remorseful .
Feagaiga:
Feagaiga is the relationship between brother and sister, it is supposed to be the most sacred bond between siblings and implies they both hold the upmost love and respect for one another. The sister holds the dignity, compassion, and spiritual power within the family, while the brother holds respect for his sisters because of their mana. If they do disrespect her, she may “curse” them.
Brother to Sister:
1. Provide safety and wellbeing
2. Protect her sacredness and honor
3. Do the heavy work and cooking
4. Serve her
Sister to Brother:
1. Cheer him on
2. Preserve her purity until marriage
3. Bless and or curse her brother
4. Make good decisions in family situations
Restrictions:
1. Not allowed to eat together
2. Not allowed to sleep together
3. Brothers not allowed to wear or touch LavaLava or clothes of sister (purity)
4. Brothers were forbidden to swear to/about/in front of sister
The feagaiga is important because it builds good relationship with one another. Siblings learn faʻaaloalo and are involved with each other’s learning. This relationship should be maintained even today because it is a lifelong relationship that isn’t chosen and can’t be replaced. I believe that feagaiga is important because having respect for your siblings should be one obligation to a brother or sister.
Petrisha Alvarez
DeletePart I:
The meaning of Fa'aaloalo within the context of Samoan culture is respect. In culture, language and interactions. Vā fealoa‘i refers to maintaining good social relationships. One should always make sure their social relationships are in a good place, if they're bad then do what is needed to make things good again. Fa'aaloalo, alofa and vafealoa'i all have the common root word "alo" meaning "to face". All these words are used in interactions between love, respect and etiquette. Fa'aaloalo is important because respect is a main aspect of any culture. In language and culture, Fa'aaloalo refers to how you converse with others, the choice of words used to avoid disrespecting others. It should continue to be taught to future generations so that it isn't lost. If Fa'aaloalo isn't passed on then the society would become more corrupted and overwhelmed. The significance of this is huge. Ideas about etiquette from American to Samoan sides of view are similar yet differ. When it comes to feagaiga the Samoan way is more precise then that of American, by having more restrictions. I didn't like that the brothers have to do the cooking and serving, then eat what is left over. However I did like that the parents get served first, that I agree with.
Ten rules of etiquette:
1. Avoid walking in front of others
2. If you walk in front of someone, be sure to say "tulou" to apologize/excuse yourself.
3. Don't eat, drink or talk when walking or standing.
4. Remove your shoes when entering a home.
5. Give up your seat to elders.
6. ask permission before using things.
7. congratulate others.
8. enter homes from the back.
9. lower yourself to others when conversing.
10. ask permission before leaving.
Part II:
Feagaiga refers to the brother-sister relationships. How they interact and treat one another. The restrictions they must abide by and protect each other's dignity and sacredness. There are some restrictions about the feagaiga that I personally do not agree with, such as watching performances together but most I do agree. I too think this should be passed on to future generations.
Four responsibilities of brother to sister:
1. To protect her sacredness (pa'ia) and dignity (mamalu).
2. For the brother to do all the heavy, physical labor.
3. Males do all the cooking in the house.
4. The brothers eat last, waiting until the family has all eaten.
Four roles of the sister to brother:
1. Sisters must wish well on their brothers
2. Bless and/or curse her brother's wives and children
3. Congratulate their brothers.
4. make decisions in family situations.
Four restrictions between brother and sister:
1. Brothers and sisters are not allowed to watch performances together.
2. They're not allowed to eat together.
3. They cannot exchange clothing to wear.
4. Brothers must not swear towards their sisters.
Part 1: Fa’aaloalo
ReplyDeleteIn Samoan culture, the word Fa’aaloalo means respect. It is seen as the foundation of the culture which keeps everyone safe and “respected”. It can be compared to a code of conduct in that you will be punished accordingly if you don’t obey the etiquettes. Although it translates into respect, it is seen as much more.
vāfealoa‘i means to establish and maintain good social relationships. An example of this is the brother/sister relationship. Maintaining a good relationship shows respect to the person, something that is important in Samoan culture. Respect, love and good social relationships are all apart of Samoan culture. If you show love and have good social relationships, then you are likely to show fa’aaloalo.
Fa’aaloalo is important in Samoan culture as it passed on from generations - you learn to view family over everything. Fa’aaloalo brings a sense of direction; everyone knows what they are responsible for.
Fa’aaloalo is expressed in both gagana (language) and aganu’u (culture). An example of fa’aaloalo in language would be when you are asking someone’s name. Someone would ask, “O ai lou suafa? The correct response would be, “o lo’u igoa O Johann”. Using “suafa” in asking the question shows respect. However, using suafa in response is giving praise to yourself – something that is not part of the fa’asamoa way. An example in the culture would be when you are talking to someone. If you are standing and they are sitting, you are putting yourself above them. The correct way would to sit down and talk -this shows respect to both individuals. In this day and age more and more children are getting personal freedom. Without the knowledge of fa’aaloalo they won’t abide by the rules, therefore disrupting the Samoan culture.
10 rules of etiquette in Samoan culture and the rationale behind their existence:
1. Sitting in a circle rather than rows at a gathering/class – shows respect not showing your back.
2. Saying “tulou” if you walk in front of someone- you are entering their sacred space.
3. Folding your legs while sitting down – it is rude to extend your legs and show the bottom of your feet
4. No standing while people are sitting especially if they are older than you. You are putting yourself above them, showing disrespect.
5. You can’t wear the other genders clothes e.g. lavalava
6. Not eating while standing
7. Bring a gift when you are the guest – you show love and respect
8. Remove your shoes before entering the house – shows respect rather than walking with dirty shoes all around the house.
9. Enter the house from the front – it is respectful. Going back to “alo” which means front side.
10. Do not walk on woven mats – they are a symbol of wealth.
I believe all of the 10 etiquettes above would be broken by the western world. The main reason is that Samoan culture shows respect to all and teaches children the right thing to do. In my opinion, Samoan culture shows great respect for one another – something I wish everyone would have. With a sense of order, things get done with no questions asked. If you compare that to America, chances are you will get a cheeky remark and it wouldn’t get done.
I think it is important to show respect in all aspects of life. Fa’aaloalo fa‘asāmoa is a way in which every member of the Samoan culture understands what is expected. In all cultures the eldest are responsible, but there are still problems with the youth. In the fa‘asāmoa they deal with such problem’s, which I believe creates a safer environment.
Part 2: Feagaiga
ReplyDeleteThe feagaiga is the brother/sister relationship. The feagaiga is referred to as the sister. There are several things the brother must do, most notably protecting her - the main reason she is the feagaiga rather than him.
Four responsibilities of brothers to their sisters are:
o The brother protects her
o He cooks for her
o He does not eat until she has finished
o He performs all of the heavy work
Four roles of the sisters in relation to their brothers are:
o Encouraging him
o Protecting his dignity
o Blessing/cursing her brothers wives, or children
o She has the ability to end a relationship/abide him from seeing them
Four restrictions between brothers and sisters in their vāfeagai are:
o The sister will take priority over the wife
o They can’t wear each other’s clothes or opposite gender for that matter
o Can’t sleep in the same room
o Can’t eat or watch performances together
Just like the fa’aaloalo, the feagaiga gives order. Without it, you will just have arguments when things get tough (which might happen already). The relationship maintains that family have priority over everything else. An example of this is the sister having power over the wife.
The feagaiga is useful in modern society as it maintains family relationships. In my opinion, families are becoming more and more distant, and people are becoming more individualistic. We need to understand our family made us who we are; protecting and supporting us.
I believe it is important to have a good brother/sister relationship. A lot of the time, families will get separated due to in law differences. With each member having rules to follow, families will become and hopefully stay a family.
Part 1
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of fa‘aaloalo is respect. In a Samoan culture this is the most important aspect. Vāfealoa‘i means good relationships with people, such as with sister-brother, parents-children, and elderly-young. The Vāfealoa‘i is important towards the fa‘aaloalo because of the learning with respect. Since the fa‘aaloalo is the meaning of respect the vāfealoa‘i shows who to respect and what type of respect they deserve. The relationship of fa‘aaloalo to alofa and to vāfealoa‘i is showing the understanding and love between one another. To show respect and to keep a good relationship with one another they need to show the love in one another. That is like in a household how you respect your parents because the love between you two and to keep a good relationship so there is no gap between one another.
All of these concepts/values relate to each other because they are all connected to get to one outcome. Fa‘aaloalo is important in Samoan culture because having respect keeps the connection between people. Fa‘aaloalo is expressed in gagana by they way hey speak to one another and the phases people use for respect. Such as walking in front of people and saying tulou and bow your head. With aganu‘u, it shows the ranks of people and so you know who is who.
I think that fa‘aaloalo should be taught and perpetuated til this day. The younger generations are starting to be disrespectful and forget who brought them into this life. They should be taught this too because they can learn about their culture and keep their traditions alive. I know it is hard to keep traditions but so younger generations understand what their elders went through and how they should behave.
Ten rules:
1. When you walk in front of people you need to bow lower and say tulou.
2. You always enter from the front of the house.
3. Never be hovering over people, always be at the same height.
4. Never stand and eat.
5. Always properly address someone.
6. Always ask permission to leave a house.
7. Take off footwear before entering a household.
8. Ask permission to enter a room.
9. Apologize for wrongdoing.
10. Always say farewells when leaving
These rules differ from American/Western ideas because some house holds wear shoes in the house and always can walk in front of others and rarely say excuse me. Also just like how I was brought up I stand and eat and do not find it rude.
I think that this is a very good but strict way of living. I would not mind teaching my daughter some of these rules because I think it is very respectful and I try to teach her how to respect others.
Part 2
The meaning of the feagaiga is like a relationship between a two people, likely like the brother and sister.
4 responsibilities of brothers to their sisters:
1. They serve the sister her dinner.
2. Provide the well-being of the sister
3. Cook and clean
4. Protect her from any harm.
4 roles of the sister in relation to their brothers.
1. She can either bless or curse her brothers.
2. She has a say in what the brother does in his life.
3. She is to respect and cherish herself until the brother approves.
4. Decides things that deal with the family and her brother
4 restrictions between brothers and sisters
1. They are not allowed to sleep in the same room.
2. They cannot eat together.
3. The brother is not to touch the sisters clothes.
4. Has to talk nicely like no swearing in front of her.
It is important in a Samoan culture because it shows the love and respect towards each other and how much they mean to each other. It is useful in modern society because it can help a brother understand that they should always protect their sister and respect her. It may not be useful because some families can not help doing some things towards each other.
My own thoughts about the feagaiga are that not only is it strict I do not understand everything. I understand after a certain age the brother is not to be sleeping in the same room as the sister but to never share a place to sleep is a little much. Some families cannot help being in the same place to sleep.
Taylor Graham
ReplyDeletePart 1
The meaning of faaloalo is respect, and it the most important part of the Samoan culture. Vafealoai is the relationships in the culture. For example, parents to children, husband to wife, brother to sister, and God to human. There are different rules that apply to each relationship, but they are based on faaaloalo. They instruct people how to act in Samoan society.
Alofa is love, and as stated above, faaaloalo is repect. These are the two most important factors in vafealoa’I which means relationships. Love and respect are the most influential parts of relationships in Samoan culture. You must have faaaloalo and alofa to have healthy vafealoa’is.
Faaaloalo is important in Samoan culture because it is the strcture of the culture. The elders are given the most respect (second only to chiefs). Rather than putting an elderly parent in a nursing home when they get old, under the Faaaloalo, the children take care of the parents for their entire life. There gagana (language) is used in two ways. The gagana taatele (the common language), and the gagana faaaloalo (the respectful language). The different languages depend on who you are speaking to. As a younger person, when speaking to an adult you always use the gagana faalolo. There is a third gagana, the gagana matai (the chiefly language), but it is only used by the chiefs.
Faaaloalo should be taught and perpetuated to younger generations especially. This is a great aspect of Samoan culture. As a person that grew up in the Midwest of the United States, I had no interaction with Polynesian culture. But when I moved to Hawaii and met so many Samoans, one thing remained constant with each Samoan I met; they were some of the most respectful unselfish people I had ever met. The rest of the world needs more Faaaloalo in their cultures.
10 Rules of etiquette in Samoan culture
1. Take off your shoes
b. It keeps the house clean and shows faaaloalo
2. Bring a gift for the host.
a. Most likely a dish. This shows reciprocation to the family for having you over.
3. Do not eat while standing.
a. Respectful
4. When speaking to elders, make sure you are on the same level as them. Lower yourself too.
a. Shows respect
5. Say tulou, it means excuse me, whenever you walk infront of someone.
a. Shows respect
6. Males serve the women
a. Part of the faaaloalo discussed earlier
7. Use appropriate language, don’t cuss
a. Another element of showing respect.
8. Do not interrupt elders when they are speaking
a. Shows respect to the elders.
9. Always face people—especially when talking to them
a. Respect
10. Ask for permission when entering the home of someone else.
a. Respect
b.
This is very different from Western/American culture. These rules are implied but not followed to the T as they are in Samoa. I believe that these rules should be implemented in American society. I will try to use some of these principles when raising my children.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteFeagaiga is the relationship between a brother and a sister in Samoan culture. The sister is the feagaiga because most of the respect is directed from the brother to the sister.
Responsibilities of Brothers to Sisters
1. Make the food—any physical labor
2. Protect her sacredness and dignity
3. Serve his sister before any of his needs
4. Protect her from any harm
Responsibilities of Sisters to Brothers
1. Provide the spiritual and emotional support to the relationship
2. Must ok the bride the bother selects.
3. Support her brother
4. Makes final decisions
Restrictions between Brothers and Sisters.
1. Can not sleep together
2. Can not talk in groups together.
3. Can not touch the clothes of the sister
4. Can not eat together.
This relationship is very important because of how close families in Samoan culture are. The sister is more important to a man than his wife is. The thought process is that you will have your sister forever, while you may not always have your wife, so your sister brother relationship must be a good one.
This is very useful in modern society. I believe it is a little extreme when it comes to not touching the clothes, but building a strong relationship between brother and sister is very important. I think that some aspects of the feagaiga should be implemented in my relationship with my sister. I definitely should serve them before myself.
Part 1
ReplyDeleteFaʻaaloalo is the Samoan word for respect or can refer to a womens frount/ whom. Vafealoa means good social relationships. They are important because everyone interacts and this is a guideline for these interactions. The relationship those three terms share is they are all out of respect. With the upmost love and respect is the only acceptable way to treat one another in the samoan culture. This love is expressed in the language by the use of different words while talking to persons of different status, and seen in the culture by simply saying
1)"tulou" while walking by.
2) Sit to eat food
3) sit to greet someone
4) Take off shoes before enter fale
5) ask to come in
6) ask to leave
7) greet people properly with respect
8) look at someone if some look at you
9) apologize when do something wrong
10) No wearing other genders clothes or tatauʻs!
I believe most of these things are great ideals to instill into any culture, and will be raising my kids with some of these guidlines as well.
4 for brother to sister
1) lift heavy things
2) keep guys away
3) cook
4) serve the sisters
4 for sis to bro
1) She has the ultimatum
2)can bless him ewith his chick or tell em no!
3) she can yell and curse at him
4) she has say in what he does
4 between bro and sis
1) Cannot eat together
2) cant sleep together(same room)
3) sis has say over wife
4) guys no touch girls clothes
In modern society this is definetly still seen, but much less. I could not hold the role of a Samoan male, mainly because I could not sit back and let my sisters run my life, but most are important traits. Some rules in the Samoan culture are great and some are a little questionable, but that is how it is with every other culture in the world and we must be open to that and take it for what it is.
ReplyDelete1 Fa’aaloalo means respect and in the Samoan culture it is important because children are raised and discipline to learn to respect their elder despite the different ethnicity and even if you don’t know the person personally. Fa’aaloalo is enforced in the Samoan culture because it is a part of the culture.
2 Vafealoa’i means respect towards one another. Some examples are: a child to their parent, a sister to a brother, ect. It is important because it goes hand in hand, respect and having respect towards one to another.
A relationship of love and respect towards one to another, a strong bond thats never broke..
They relate to each other because respect is a vital part of the Samoan culture. In order for you to get along with another person, you have to have “respect” towards one another because that’s vafealoa’i.
Fa’aaloalo is important in the Samoan culture because it’s what Samoa is about. Every Samoan is brought up on respect especially towards the elders, government leaders/spiritual leaders and parents. There are two ways on how to speak Samoan – 1] The formal way 2] The common way of speak. The formal way of speaking Samoan is learning the culture and respecting your culture as in speaking to an elder with respect. As to the common way, is speaking “friend to a friend” on a regular daily basis.
Yes, the Samoan respect should definitely be taught to the younger generation because it’s part of the culture.
Attire – men wear “ie faitaga” and women wear “puletasi”
The Language – every Samoan is brought up to speak with respect.
Beliefs “religion” – everyone Samoan are brought up in church.
Traditions – it’s a must to sit down and eat/drink. It’s disrespectful to stand eat/drink in front of people.
Relationships – The relationship between a parent and their children it’s an unbreakable bond even when the child is married they can still live at home with their parents.
Meal Times – The elders are served first then the children eat.
Ava Ceremony – A ceremony done amongst the high matais (chiefs) when somebody is given a matai title.
Taupou (Virgin) – The Ava Ceremony is only prepared by the Taupou.
Tulafale (Orator/Speaker) – Somone who speaks on behalf of the village or their Aiga (family)
Tatau and Malu – Tatau is the traditional tattoo for men and the Malu is the traditional tattoo for the women. The men’s Tatau is from the men’s mid-section down to their kness, it covers that whole section of the body except for the private area. The women’s Malu is from the upper thighs to the knee area.
If you walk in while someone is talking you say “tulou” for respect.
7.Samoa has a culture verses the Western world (America) does not have a culture. They stick with there culture, so the whole family can live the same way.
8.Fa’aaloalo will always be different because of the younger generations, some people are never taught to respect towards older people. Many don’t ask for permission to do things they will just do it, compared to the Samoan culture they are taught respect and how do do things the right way.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteIn the Samoan culture Feagaiga is the term they used to describe the sacred bond between brother and sister. This bond is inherited with rules and ideals of fa’aloalo, giving the most respect to the sister from the brother. The 4 responsibilities for brothers to their sisters:
Serve his sister before himself
Must always protect her well-being and dignity
Perform the heavy work, like cook the dinner for the family
Must ask acceptance of his wife upon marriage
The 4 responsibilities of the sisters to their brothers:
Advise important manners in a family situation
Deny her brother’s potential marriage
Curse her brother, brother’s wife and/or children
Keeping her purity (be a virgin) until she marries
The 4 restrictions between brothers and sisters’ relationships:
Cannot sleep in the same area
Cannot eat together
Must always maintain fa’aloalo and maintain a good vafeagai
In marriage, their brother and sister’s vafeagai is more significant than the husband and wife’s vafeagai.
Feagaiga is very important in the family-oriented Samoan culture. It shows the first sign of respect between family members, and of the role that brothers and sisters share in one another’s lives. It is very useful in modern society because most people need to learn respect, especially to their brother or sister. In many other cultures, the women in the family have no voice. For example, in Japanese families the firstborn son is praised by his mother and siblings. They must be submissive to his needs and treated as the head of the household next to his father.
PART I
ReplyDeleteFa'aaloalo is what the Samoan Culture is based off of. The meaning of Fa'aaloalo is the word respect. The root word that is in Fa'aaloalo is the word alo which means the frontside or womb of a person. I learned about respect as I was being raised from my entire family. They taught me how to be humble and have respect for others. I was told to try and give to people who did not have much or if I had something they did not have. Fa'aaloalo is meaningful in all aspects of the Samoan Culture in everything that one does. Vāfealoa'i means a good social relationship between people or the space between one another. There are many different examples of Vāfealoa'i which are relationships between parents and children, God and humans, or husband and wife, just to name a few. The reason Vāfealoa'i and Fa'aaloalo is important to one another is because they go hand in hand. If we show respect in our social relationships, it will allow the bond to be stronger. The concepts of Fa'aaloalo, Vāfealoa'i, and Alofa all relate to each other because they are universal concepts that Samoans use everyday. It shows how the Samoan culture is so strong having relationships built off of respect and love for one another. Fa'aaloalo is expressed in gagana (language) that has three different types. There is gagana ta'atele which is the common language to have regular conversations. There is gagana fa'aaloalo, the respectful language which is the way one would speak to an elder. The last is gagana matai which is the chiefly language, this is the most formal way of speaking, pronunciation and diacriticals are spoken with much respect and power. I was raised with fa'aaloalo so i definitely think that it should be taught and perpetuated to this younger generation. Today some of these kids don't have any respect to elders and have no manners out in public. I would not mind if they taught this younger generation about Fa'aaloalo because how corrupt it seems that this younger generation is turning out to be and would teach them to be more discipline.
10 Rules of Etiquette in Samoan Culture:
1. Always say tulou (excuse me) when walking in front of people.
2. Take off your shoes before entering the house.
3. Do not stand when you eat.
4. Serve the elders first when eating.
5. Greet, give thanks and farewell to others.
6. Offer to help the elderly people.
7. Sit down to talk to others, do not stand and talk.
8. Say Grace, and bless the food before eating.
9. Ask permission before leaving the classroom or the house.
10. Respect everyone at all times!
The Samoan view of Fa'aaloalo differ from the Western ideas about etiquette in many ways. People don't say excuse me when they walk in front of you. Some people just walk inside houses with their shoes on. American ideas of eating are that anyone just goes up to eat no one person such as elders. For the samoan culture men cook while in the western culture the women are the ones that do the cooking. People rarely bless their food before they eat and also eat while they are standing. The difference is that Samoan fa'aaloalo teaches us to be respectful and discipline to society and to have manners and dignity towards others.
My thoughts about fa'aaloalo fa'asamoa will always be the same. This way of life allows myself to be humble and appreciate the blessings that i receive everyday from the man above. I am thankful for my parents raising me and teaching me through many different types of disciplines to be respectful.
Part II
ReplyDeleteThe meaning of Feagaiga is the relationship and the bond of a brother and sister. Feagaiga refers to the sister as she is protected and taken care of from her brother due to her sacredness and dignity. I was always told to look out for my sister and to protect her. No matter what, family is chosen over anything. That being said the brother must and should always choose his sisters side and have her back with any problems she faces.
4 Responsibilities of brothers to their sisters:
1. Protect her sacredness and dignity.
2. Cook for her/ serve her
3. Provide for her safety and well-being.
4. Do the heavy feau's/ lift the heavy things.
4 Roles of the sister in relation to their brothers:
1. Give the ok for the bride of the brother.
2. Support and Cheer on the brother.
3. Has the final decision in family matters.
4. Protect his dignity
4 Restrictions between brothers and sister in their Vāfeagai:
1. Cannot wear each others clothes.
2. Cannot sleep in the same room.
3. Cannot eat together.
4. Brother must always speak in a respectful way to sister, no cursing.
The Feagaiga between the sister and brother is important because it has the most responsibilities to protect one another. It is a relationship that combines fa'aaloalo and alofa. The brother respects his sister and loves her no matter what she does. I think that feagaiga would be useful in today's society because a brother should always protect his sister and her dignity. Sisters might have more respect for themselves by having a brother look out for them. Likewise with the sister looking after the brother making sure that the brother makes the right choices and to let him know when he is doing something he should not be doing. My thoughts about feagaiga are that this is something old but still holds on today in some of the aspects. As a brother to my sister, I always look to protect her and help her in any way that I can. I might not do everything that is on the list for the brother to do for the sister but I do the best I can to make sure that she has everything and does not feel stressed about anything. Being able to learn more about what feagaiga is makes me appreciate how my sister looks out for me and my relationship that I get to share with my sister.