������Ƶ

�ٴ�’s

• Show genuine interest in �ڲ�’a���������Dz� (‘the Samoan Way’). Samoans are extremely proud of fa’a Samoa and enjoy explaining its various facets.
• Oral presentation skills are highly valued by many Samoan people. If you are asked to speak at a Samoan community meeting or event, ensure that you are well prepared and that cultural protocols are observed.
• Take care when offering compliments to your Samoan counterpart. They may feel obliged to give you the object you are appreciating. There is a Samoan proverb, which indicates that a person offers compliments because they want the object (“o isi e momo’o” translates as “to praise is to beg”). For example, if you were to compliment a Samoan on their bag, they may try to give you the bag.
• Be patient and accept the slower pace of ‘Samoan time’. Samoans tend to find it easier to be kept waiting and are generally not bothered about punctuality.

Don'ts

• Never speak ill about a person’s family without them being present or spread gossip. Samoans believe this to be deeply disrespectful.
• Do not disrespect or go against the word of a Matai (chief). Many Samoans bestow a high amount of respect on a Matai. For many, the chief is the final arbiter on important matters.
• Avoid losing your temper in public or raising your voice if you get emotional. It is uncommon for people to overtly express their emotions in front of strangers.