Samoan Family Worksheets
🏠 Part 1: Basic Family Vocabulary (Beginner Level)
1. Match the Samoan family words with their English meanings:
1. Tamā
2. Tinā
3. Uso
4. Tuafafine
5. Tamaititi
A. Mother
B. Sister (of a male)
C. Father
D. Brother/Sister (same gender)
E. Child
2. Circle the correct Samoan word for "grandmother":
Tama
Tina
Tina matua
Tuagane
3. Fill in the blanks with the correct Samoan family words:
My ________ (father) works in the plantation while my ________ (mother) takes care of the house. I have two ________ (siblings) who help with daily chores.
👨👩👧👦 Part 2: Family Structure and Roles
4. Check all the traditional roles that family members have in Samoan culture:
Children respect and obey their elders
Extended family lives separately and rarely meets
The matai (chief) makes important family decisions
Everyone contributes to family responsibilities
Grandparents play an important role in raising children
Individual needs are more important than family needs
5. Explain what "fa'a Samoa" means in relation to family life:
6. Draw your own family tree using Samoan family terms. Include at least 6 family members:
🌺 Part 3: Advanced Cultural Understanding (Advanced Level)
7. Analyse the importance of the 'aiga (extended family) system in Samoan society. Discuss how it differs from nuclear family structures:
8. Circle the most accurate description of the matai system:
A democratic voting system where everyone has equal say
A traditional chiefly system where the matai leads the extended family
A modern government position with no cultural significance
A religious leadership role only for church matters
9. Compare and contrast traditional Samoan family values with modern New Zealand family structures. Give specific examples:
🎭 Part 4: Cultural Practices and Ceremonies
10. Fill in the blanks about Samoan family ceremonies:
The ________ ceremony marks important family milestones. During a Samoan wedding, the ________ (fine mats) are exchanged between families. The ________ is a traditional feast that brings the whole 'aiga together to celebrate.
11. Which of these are important aspects of Samoan family gatherings? (Check all that apply):
Sharing traditional foods like palusami and oka
Performing traditional dances and songs
Speaking only in English
Showing respect through traditional greetings
Wearing traditional clothing like ie faitaga
Excluding extended family members
12. Research Task: Interview a family member or community elder about their experiences with Samoan family traditions. Write a short summary of what you learned:
🌊 Part 5: Modern Samoan Families
13. Discuss the challenges and benefits that Samoan families face when living in New Zealand. Consider language, culture, and identity:
14. Create a presentation plan (Advanced students): Design a 5-minute presentation about how Samoan families maintain their cultural identity in New Zealand. Include your main points below:
15. Reflection: How has learning about Samoan family structures influenced your understanding of cultural diversity? What connections can you make to your own family experiences?
