Back in my primary school every Language Week, we had a daily assembly on Monday to start the week, then we would have challenges relating to the specific culture like “Say 1 to 10 in Tongan” and you would usually record yourself enunciating it. We would also have special cultural food like Tongan donuts or Indian sweets. Finally on Friday, we finish the week with assembly (including a few dances).

I remember when I was a Year 6, it was Samoan Language Week and every student and teacher was pumped up with enthusiasm, especially those who were Samoan. Back in my school, we didn’t have a school bell, probably because of the poor condition so when we came to school, there would always be a teacher on duty outside everyday to tell the kids when to come inside. Anyways, it was time to start school and all of the old and young years went to their classrooms (we had seperate rooms instead of spaces) and did their morning roll with their teacher.

After we finished, we usually lined up outside of our classroom thenwalked into the Hall. When we walked inside, it was filled with petite children, lined up with their classroom teacher from the front to halfway on both sides. When everyone settled inside, the principal of my school would stand on the stage in front of all the ‘eyeing’ kids, shouting “E Tu!” Everyone would stand up, say the Maori and English prayer, then sing the national anthem along with the video just like every week. But what’s special about it is after the national anthem, we sang the national anthem of the language. After we sang, the principal would say “E Noho!” to settle the kids down, then we have notices about what the week would look like, what activities we were to do and so on.

Every Language Week, we would have a flag raising ceremony the day after day 1. We would first line up with our classrooms, then raise the flag while having a moment of silence as representing a sign of respect. When the flag is raised, someone let’s say someone who is Samoan would say a prayer in their native tongue and then everyone walks back to their classroom.

During Samoan Language Week, I learned some basic words like “Talofa lava”, but also learned more about the culture itself. Just like every Polynesian dance, it always tells a story and in the story, there’s always passion and confidence within every move. Some dances are fast and upbeat and others are graceful and serene. Sometimes it can be both.

No matter what language it is, it’s always important to number one ‘Respect the culture’ and take part of it.