Tattoo My Mouth: Samoan Language Survival in Australia

Abstract

Indigenous people experience their worlds simultaneously through and because of language itself. To examine the relationship between language and place, we evaluate the current discourse and state of gagana Sāmoa (Samoan language) in Australia. As Samoan researchers, we situate ourselves accordingly by drawing on our language accounts and those of others in the diaspora. By focusing on these talanoaga—stories, sharing, and discussions across Queensland and Victoria, Australia, the role and value of gagana Sāmoa is reinforced through maintaining, developing and ensuring its survival for present and future generations. In this article, language survival is framed in how (re)connection is mobilised and articulated among this community. Our article shows the value this cohort place on their language, and the need for it to be sustained and passed on to the next generation.