Lauga: Understanding Samoan Oratory

Lāuga: Understanding Samoan Oratory

At the centre of fa'asāmoa, the Samoan way of life, sits lāuga: the formal, chiefly oratory performed at ceremonies and gatherings across the Samoan world. In this landmark book, Dr Sadat Muaiava opens up one of the most intricate and respected practices in Samoan culture and makes it accessible to a wide readership.

Lāuga is far more than public speaking. It carries genealogy, proverb, scripture and protocol, and it demands deep cultural knowledge to perform well. Muaiava explains the significance of oratory, the roles of those who deliver it, and the stages and structure of a ceremonial speech, drawing on both scholarship and lived cultural practice. The result is a guide that serves orators and students alike, and that welcomes readers new to the tradition.

Written with clarity and care, and richly produced by Te Papa Press, this 336-page hardback is a valuable resource for Samoan families and communities, for teachers and learners of the Samoan language, and for anyone interested in Pacific culture, oral tradition and the enduring practices of fa'asāmoa. It is a meaningful read and a considered gift.

Inside this book:

• What lāuga is, and why chiefly oratory is central to fa'asāmoa
• The cultural knowledge, genealogy and protocol woven through a formal speech
• The roles and responsibilities of those who deliver oratory
• The stages and structure that shape a ceremonial lāuga

Ideal for: Samoan families and communities, students and teachers of the Samoan language, Pacific studies readers, and anyone interested in oratory, oral tradition and Pacific culture.

Format: hardcover, 327pages

ISBN: 9780995138445

Size: 132x203x25mm

Weight: 580g