What Language Do They Speak in American Samoa?

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American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, consisting of five main islands and two coral atolls situated in the South Pacific Ocean. It enjoys a tropical climate, rich Polynesian culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a unique blend of American and Samoan influences. The capital city, Pago Pago, serves as both the commercial hub and a gateway for visitors exploring the islands' natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Languages Spoken

American Samoa is a vibrant and culturally rich territory where the majority of the population predominantly speaks Samoan, which is spoken by 88.6% of the people. English is the second most common language, used by 3.6% of the population, and is often employed in educational and governmental settings. Other languages include Tongan, spoken by 2.7% of the community, reflecting the close cultural and geographic ties with other Pacific Islands. Additionally, 1.7% speak other Pacific Islander languages, and 1.1% communicate in Filipino, highlighting the diversity and cultural exchanges within the region.

Different Languages Spoken in American Samoa

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - American Samoa

LanguageUsage
Samoan88.6%
English3.6%
Tongan2.7%
Other Pacific Islander languages1.7%
Filipino1.1%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful English Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to American Samoa

Hello

Talofa

A common greeting in American Samoan culture.

How are you?

O a mai oe?

A polite way to ask about someone's wellbeing.

How much does it cost?

E fia le tau?

Useful when shopping or inquiring about prices.

Where is...?

O fea o iai...?

Helpful for asking directions.

I don’t understand

Ou te le malamalama

To indicate a language barrier or lack of clarity.

Learn to speak English

Interested in speaking English in American Samoa? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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