How to Perform Samoan Vala'au i le Laulau (Call to Table)

Tu’u’u Apulu Uta’ile’uo Mary Autagavaia teaches her granddaughter, Tesia how to perform the Vala'au i le Laulau which is the calling of guests to the table to enjoy a meal.

The Vala'au i le laulau is something that started since urbanization out of the villages where people acquired laulau Palagi (European dinner tables) to eat at. In a village setting, guests arrive and sit on the floor.

There are 3 main parts to the vala'au: 1) Young person excusing themselves for speaking out of turn as a tautua (cook/help) and interrupting the conversations 2) Acknowledging the honourifics of those present in the lounge 3) An invitation to come to the table to eat.

Ia manuia le vaiaso o le gagana Samoa - Happy Samoan Language Week!

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