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Tuvalu Language Week

Sunday 26/09/2021

Vaiaso ote ‘gana Tuvalu

Fākatalofa atu! Tuvaluan Language Week is celebrated from Sunday 26 September – Saturday 2 October 2021.

This year’s theme for Vaiaso o te Gana Tuvalu/Tuvalu Language Week is 'Fakaakoigina tou iloga kae tukeli ke magoi mote ataeao', meaning 'embracing our culture and a more secure, vibrant future'.

There are two groups of Tuvaluan dialects, based on dialects spoken in the northern and southern islands. Tuvaluan people make up the seventh largest Pacific ethnic group in New Zealand. The theme for Tuvalu language week 2020 is "Fakatili Te Kiloga Fou" which in English means "Navigating the changing environment". Here are the basics if you're new to the language and keen to learn:

 

Greetings/welcome:      Talofa

Goodbye                         Tofa

How are you                   Ea mai koe?

Please                             Fakamolemole

What's your name?        Ko oi tou igoa?

My name is ...                  Toku igoa ko ...

Good luck!                       Manuia!

Have a nice day               Manuia te aso!

Excuse me                       Tulou!

Sorry                               Fakamolemole, au kō 'sē!

Thank you                       Fakafetai / Fāfetai (more colloquial)

Reply to thank you          E 'lei.

Click here for a more language resources!

 

 

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