This collection of more than 1,000 Sāmoan Proverbs and Proverbial sayings (Alagā'upu / Muāgagana), with translations in English, serves as a useful reference for Sāmoan oratory, poetry and formal speeches.
A Alagā'upu is one that has a story from which the proverb originates. ('O le tala e ala mai ai le 'upu).
A Muāgagana or Muāfetalaiga is a short saying stating a general truth or piece of advice.
The use of Proverbs in Oratory, Poetry and Formal speeches has preserved the many unique activities and features of Sāmoan culture which would have otherwise disappeared and forgotten.
" A Trap is for Fish: when you've got the Fish, you can forget the Trap "
" A Proverb is for Meaning: when you've got the Meaning, you can forget the Proverb."
