####### FCO COMMITMENT

The Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) in American Samoa is committed to
the delivery of services in a respectful and culturally appropriate
manner.

DHS-FEMA expects that, in order to successfully contribute to the
strategic plan in American Samoa, all assigned employees should have a
working knowledge of local customs, traditions, and protocols . As
visitors and guests in American Samoa, your actions (on and off the
clock) reflect yourself, DHS/FEMA and the Federal Government 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. You are requested to fully respect and follow the
Samoan Way, or Fa'a Samoa, while on this deployment.

This brochure complements the FCO memo to all staff regarding "Standards
of Conduct" dated \[insert date\].

**[FA'A SAMOA (THE SAMOAN WAY)]{.underline}**

The Samoan culture is based on respect for the family unit, traditional
customs, religion, and the elders. This respect is deeply ingrained in
the Samoan culture. The heart of the Samoan way is respect for the
elders and maintaining the well-being of the immediate family.

This fundamental premise has preserved the culture and language to this
day, instilling a sense of self-esteem and pride.

Samoan culture, customs, and traditions emphasize the importance of the
extended family, the aiga (ah-ING-ah). Samoans are a communal people,
sharing resources within the family unit. Samoan society is based on
several related principles: hereditary rank, the functioning of
relationship groups, and the rights and privileges of the organized
village community.

**[SUNDAYS IN AMERICAN SAMOA]{.underline}**

Sunday in Samoa is the traditional observance of the Sabbath and a day
of rest. When traveling through a village on Sunday, be aware that this
is an important day of prayer and church attendance. Visitor conduct is
expected to be quiet and respectful.

**Seek permission** before using the beach and parking your car. In some
villages, swimming and fishing are forbidden on Sunday, so be sure to
check with a local resident before engaging in such activity.

## [EVENING PRAYERS (SA)]{.underline}

Every village observes Sa (evening prayers) between approximately
6pm-6:45pm. A gong Usually sounds to mark Sa: the first gong is heard 5
minutes before Sa; a second gong formally begins Sa; and a third gong
ends the prayers. If you are driving on the inner road of a village
during Sa, stop and quietly wait until the observance is complete (10-15
minutes). Follow instructions given to you by any uniformed villagers.
Driving on the main road is not effected by Sa.

**[INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS]{.underline}**

The Samoan people are among the friendliest in the Pacific. Being
acknowledged is a sign of respect.

A smile from you will usually be reciprocated and appreciated. The same
is true of a gentle hand wave while driving slowly through a village.

Direct eye contact is expected in all communications. A firm handshake
upon introduction is a common practice.

As is true in other places, the local culture does not approve of
visitors forming intimate relationships with local people.

Use common sense.

**[THE "RUMOR MILL" (FAITALA)]{.underline}**

## In addition to the usual communication resources, an especially efficient form of contact is found in all islands, including American Samoa. It may be known as the "coconut wireless" or the rumor mill. 

## As a visitor and guest to American Samoa, it is important to remember that all eyes are on you. Villagers are especially watchful of outsiders. Positive and negative impressions will be quickly communicated from one person to another. At all times, avoid any actions that could create the appearance or perception of violating the law or ethical standards of conduct. Avoiding "loss of face" is extremely important to Samoans. Apologize immediately if you become aware that your actions or behavior have been offensive. A quick apology should remedy the situation. 

## [FORBIDDEN ACTIVITIES (FA'ASA) or (TAPU)]{.underline}

By law, the sale of alcohol, including beer, is prohibited on Sunday. Do
not pressure the store clerk to make any exceptions to the law. As in
the U.S., sexual harassment is illegal in Samoa.

**[ADDITIONAL INFORMATION]{.underline}**

A number of local bookstores and hotel gift shops carry excellent books
on American Samoa and the rest of the Pacific. A small library of
materials is located in the DFO on the display table.

The public library is another option.

The FEMA Equal Rights Officer at

\[insert phone numbers\] can provide additional assistance. You are
encouraged to learn all you can and

enjoy your deployment to this beautiful island.

**[SAMOAN LANGUAGE TIPS]{.underline}**

Samoan and English are both spoken in American Samoa. Most residents are
bilingual or even trilingual. Samoan is the language used in daily
family life, on selected radio and television programs, and in the
press. English is generally spoken in commerce, education, and
inter-cultural activities, and is taught in all schools. The literacy
rate is 98%.

The high talking chiefs employ a style of oratory and rhetoric that only
the indoctrinated can understand.

#### SAMOAN ALPHABET/PRONUNCIATION

A (ah...same as Hawaiian or Spanish)

E (a...same as Hawaiian or Spanish)

I (e...same as Hawaiian or Spanish)

O (oh...same as Hawaiian or Spanish)

U (oou...same as Hawaiian or Spanish)

F

G (pronounced with "ng" sound; Pago

Pago is pronounced Pahngo Pahngo)

H

K (may be transposed for "t", i.e., telefoni

can be kelefoni)

L (may be transposed for "r", i.e., Malia-

Maria)

M

N

P

R

S

T

V

Note: A glottal stop ( ' ) is when you start a vowel with your throat
closed, as usually is done in English. If you didn't, the word "apple"
would sound like "happle."

**[COMMON SAMOAN WORDS]{.underline}**

Aiga The basic family unit, related by blood, marriage, adoption

Alu Go

Ata Smile

Fa'a Samoa The Samoan Way

Fa'afetai Thank you

Fa'amolemole Please or sorry

Faife'au Village pastor/minister

Fale Traditional home

Fono Village council

##### Galuega Work

Lava Enough

Lavalava Wrap around cloth, clothes

Leaga Bad

Leai No, none, gone

Lelei Good

Manuia Happy, lucky

Matai Extended family chief

Matua Parent

Mai From

Meauli Visitor with dark skin

Moa Chicken

Motu Island

Palagi Visitor with light skin

Sami Sea

Sa'o The senior family matai

Tai'fau A dog, canine

Talofa Greeting of hello

Televise Television

Timu Rain

Tupe Money

Tofa Goodbye

Toga Fine mat, very valuable

'Ula Garland of flowers, lei

'Ulu Breadfruit

Ulu Your head

Va'a Canoe

Vai Water

# CULTURAL AWARENESS:

## THE TERRITORY OF

### ![](media/image1.gif){width="1.625in" height="0.8881944444444444in"}AMERICAN SAMOA

HELPFUL

INFORMATION

TO KNOW

![](media/image2.png)

**U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY/FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
AGENCY**

**FEMA-1xxx-DR-AS**

**DISASTER FIELD OFFICE**

**AMERICAN SAMOA**

###### \[address \] 

**Pago Pago, American Samoa**

**(684) xxx-xxxx switchboard**