Launch of book of honorifics

By Ioana Tupa'i 23 November 2017, 12:00AM

A culturally important book of honorifics titled, ‘Tusi Faalupega’, was launched at the Samoa Tourism Authority fale yesterday. 

The author, Ulafale Seupule, from the village of Sapunaoa, Falealili, said the compilation of the book has taken seven years.

The honorifics are crucial salutations that set the hierarchy of chiefs and orators in each village and how they relate to other villages and districts around the country and it is also a vital part of the protocol for any cultural presentations and meetings.

“This is my father’s work that he left to me. At first I did not want to do it because I knew collecting the information from all 265 villages would not be an easy task,” Ulafala said.

“I told my sisters and brothers that I could not continue the work that our father had done when he was alive.

“But what inspired me to finish the book, is the support given to me by people like Aiono Fana’afi and Tagaloa Pita, Mata’afa Autagavaia, Reverend Vaiao Eteuati and Maulolo Leaula Tavita Amosa to name a few.”

The main idea of this honorific book, he said, was to provide help to orators during Samoan speeches and it was compiled in such a way for orators to easily understand.

The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, delivered the keynote address.

In congratulating Ulafala, he said: “This book is useful for all orators.”

Only 100 copies were published and it was sold for $50 tala yesterday. But the retail price of the book and the place where it is to be sold, is yet to be confirmed.

The author thanked all those who have supported him as he worked to complete the task started by his father.

By Ioana Tupa'i 23 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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