What is a Tulafale?

Definition of tulafale : a Samoan chief functioning as an adviser and debater on matters of public policy and expected to be thoroughly informed on matters of traditional lore.

What is the role of a Tulafale?

The Samoans, one of the largest Polynesian populations in the world, cherish the importance of storytelling and tradition by appointing a select family member as an orator chief, known as a “tulafale.” The tulafale holds the major responsibility of spreading the word about the death of and funeral for the leader, the …

What are the two types of matai?

Matai System There are two categories of matai: The Aliʻi who are the high chiefs of the county, village, and family. The Tulafale who are talking chiefs for the county, village, and/or his family.

What is a Samoan orator?

Orator chiefs (tulafale) and speakers (failauga – ‘speech-maker’) are terms used for Samoans holding the position of speakers or mouthpieces of chiefs and they are found in all villages. Important matai titles are also tied to certain orator matai titles.

What do Samoans call their chief?

Samoan society is based on a collectivist system of governance known as ‘fa’a Matai’. In this system, society is organised by extended families (aiga), with each family having its own ‘Matai’ (‘chief’ or ‘leader’) titles that are connected to certain districts, villages and plots of family land.

What is considered rude in Samoa?

Pointing one’s feet at someone is rude. Samoans tend to have a relaxed view of time and may refer jokingly to things running on “Samoan time” when it comes to social situations.

What is Talofa lava?

Talofa lava. » Hello (polite).

Is Malo a Samoan?

This is a colloquial greeting. While ‘talofa’ is ‘hello’, ‘malo’ is ‘hi’ or ‘g’day’. The response to this is ‘malo lava’. Some more Samoan ‘M-words’ below…

How do Samoans greet?

The typical greeting among friends and family is a hug and kiss on the cheek. When greeting friends and family, usually one would use their first name followed by “Talofa” (“Hello”).