Savalivali (Written Nov 17 2005)

Not much happened today that was interesting – we had our language classes again today for the first time in 7 days, it was definitely an exciting experience. Then we had a meeting about how to help disabled persons that we find in our community and what resources are available. So pretty dry day, so instead of writing about that I thought I would share with you a Samoan song we learned during our first few days in Samoa that kind of helped us remember some basic Samoan vocabulary. The song is titled 'Savalivali'. The only thing I can't share with you is the beat/tune because Samoan beats/tunes are a little different from those we might use in the states for a song – for instance, from what our trainers told us Samoans don't understand the concept of rhyming in songs. Anyway, here it is:

 

Savalivali means go for a walk

Tautalatala means too much talk

Alofa ia te oe means I love you

Take it easy faifai lemu

 

Tietie pasika means go for a ride

Leai o se tupe means no more money

Stay at home means nofo I le fale

Much trouble means faalavelave

 

Tama Mania means handsome boy

Teine aulelei means pretty girl

Whisper to me means musumusu mai

O mai O mai O mai

 

And there you have it, a simple song that helps remember a few Samoan terms. It's basically the only Samoan song we know by heart right now. Obviously it would be fun to just sing the song over the phone, but it might be a neat little task to try to figure out what the tune for that song is – if you can figure it out I'll be highly impressed. That's it I'm out after typing all those journal entries last night – enjoy the long novel. L8r.