Language Development Curriculum within the Samoan Congregational Churches in the Diaspora

Abstract

This thesis explores the potential role the Samoan Congregational Christian churches can play as effective and strong language and cultural educators in the diaspora. In order to achieve this objective it is important to maintain a high level of Ethnolinguistic Vitality (EV) through demographic support, institutional support, and social status support within the community and the church. The local congregational churches of Carson, California provide a support system of learning, observing, and teaching of the Samoan language and culture for both Samoans and non-Samoans interested in engaging with the fa'asāmoa (Samoan way of life). The future of the Samoan language and culture in the diaspora is dependent upon an active community to maintain and teach the Samoan language, especially among the church community. Sample curricula have been prepared to assist in accomplishing these goals. The purpose of this thesis is to promote language development for local congregational churches in the diaspora.