Blog — learning Samoan as an adult
You’re Still Samoan Even If You Don’t Speak the Language
heritage language loss learning Samoan as an adult not speaking Samoan reconnecting with Samoan culture Samoan diaspora identity Samoan identity Samoan language shame
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For many Samoans, not speaking the language carries a quiet kind of pain. It shows up in jokes that sting.In moments of silence when others are speaking.In the feeling of being “not Samoan enough.” Some people pull away from culture altogether because the shame feels too heavy.Others stay close but shrink themselves, afraid of being judged. If this sounds familiar, hear this clearly: You are still Samoan—even if you don’t speak the language. Where the Shame Comes...