Samoa

Greetings

Man greeting Man – When meeting someone on the streets a slight elevation of the head and/or a quick elevation of the eyebrows may suffice. Handshaking is also common.

Woman greeting Woman – When meeting someone on the streets a slight elevation of the head and/or a quick elevation of the eyebrows may suffice. Handshaking is also common.

Man greeting Woman – When meeting someone on the streets a slight elevation of the head and/or a quick elevation of the eyebrows may suffice. Handshaking is also common.

Note: When entering a Samoan house first remove your shoes. People are likely to be sitting on the floor around the perimeter of the room. Beginning at one point (usually the highest ranking person) walk up to the individual look them in the eye, extend and shake their hand and say ‘malo’ or ‘talofa’. Then repeat this as you move around the room.

Communication Style

• Communication is exceedingly polite and formal. Samoans usually try to be pleasing so they are likely to tell you what they think you want to hear instead of the truth. For example, if you want to find out if something is culturally appropriate you could ask a Samoan: “Can I walk through the village during Sa?” (prayer time in the evening). Wanting to please you there is a good chance they will say yes. A more appropriate question would be “Would you walk through your village during Sa?”
• There are times when Samoans can be very vague and tend to go around and around in circles instead of getting to the point. However, in other matters and situations, they can be pointedly direct.

Personal Space & Touch

• Personal space for Samoans is usually about the same as it is in many western cultures, like in the for example. An arm's length is generally the norm.

• The amount of touching during conversations depends on the relationship. There is usually no touching in business and formal relationships. There is more touching in platonic relationships.

• Public displays of affection in intimate relationships are frowned upon and considered socially inappropriate.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is not so common during communications. It’s very common to make eye contact and have the person you’re talking to break away and look off to the side.

• It is generally considered impolite to look someone in the eye when talking. When eye contact is made, it is usually fleeting.

Gestures

• To beckon someone: extend your hand (face down) and simultaneously bend your fingers down and move your hand down a the same time.
• If you’re visiting a house and staying with a family they will feed you. Try all of the food and be polite. If you like something, eat what you want and then tell them you are full. If you stay for longer than a day, offer a cash gift (10 tala/day is probably not too bad).

• A raised eyebrow can mean either you don’t believe the other person, you agree with the other person, or you give your approval. It all depends on the context.

Views of Time

• Samoans tend to have a relaxed view of time and even refer jokingly about things running on Samoan time when it comes to social situations. Punctuality however is valued in business settings and meetings.
• In Samoa, one is usually expected to be late. If you tell someone that you’re going to be somewhere, there is a good chance that they don’t believe you actually will be there.

Gender Roles

• Most women are expected to do much of the house work (cleaning and washing clothes) and they also work in the plantations.
• Women are also expected to wear loosely fitting clothing that does not expose a lot of skin.

Taboos

• Do not point the bottoms of your feet at someone.

• Shoes should be removed before entering a home.

• It is usually considered rude to stand when others are sitting.

• Avoid wearing any revealing clothing when walking through villages.

• Be aware of prayer times in the evenings when most families are having family prayers. It is customary for everyone to honor a quiet time during these hours.

• Never lay spread out on the floor or on the couch if you have guests or if an elder is present.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age is 21, but is not heavily enforced.

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Samoa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

• Culturally speaking there are two different areas: the A pia area (capital city) and the village area. In villages the village law is what is important. This law can vary from village to village. For example in some villages beards are forbidden. However this is not likely to be enforced on visitors to the village. In A pia, the interactions are a combination of western and Samoan ways.

Dress

• For Men -Most Samoan men wear the iefaitoga (a man-skirt with pockets) and a button up shirt (short sleeved with a tropical pattern).
• For Women - Many Samoan women wear a pulatasi (direct translation single pattern), a skirt/top made from the same pattern of fabric. These are form fitting and very flattering.
• A nice pair of slacks with short sleeved button down shirt is common for most foreigners. Women should avoid revealing too much skin.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are usually given publicly and money is fine to give.
• During a meeting a gift is usually expected.
• When accepting a gift its is customary to bow your head slightly and place it above your head with both hands for a moment.

In the Classroom

• The school year usually begin around January or February and ends around November.
• Dress is pretty casual. Lava-lava (sarong) and a tee shirt is common.
• Lecture is the most popular form of teaching.
  

Other Observations

• If you marry a Samoan you are generally marrying the entire family. Remittances are a huge part of the Samoan economy and you may be expected to send gifts home. These can include cash, cars, and home appliances.
• Culturally speaking there are two different areas: the A pia area (capital city) and the village area. In villages the village law is what is important. This law can vary from village to village. For example in some villages beards are forbidden. However this is not likely to be enforced on visitors to the village. In A pia, the interactions are a combination of western and Samoan ways.