Fagogo—A Literary Cultural Perspective

Abstract

This article discusses Fagogo (story telling at night) in the Samoan context and authors assessment and evaluation of the tool, its significance, appropriateness and applicability to classroom teaching and student interaction. In relation to ‘Fagogo a few publications had widely researched this tool from a Samoan perspective. Few Samoan academics highlighted Fagogo in their writings and research, but I have drawn from the available literature and my own experience as a Samoan raised within the context of Fagogo in the Samoan culture.

Freire (1970, 1987) and Skutnabb-Kangas (2000) have provided the lens through which people and students of indigenous cultures are inspired to have strength and faith in their own language and culture to equip them in combatting obstacles and barriers they face in education and survival. Both authors remind people to take pride in one’s identity and be empowered through one’s knowledge and understanding of one’s own language and culture. Freire’s (1978) work in Chile and Brazil became extremely influential in the lives of the landless people. Samoans have drawn from his ideas to better understand the importance of not devaluing one’s heritage, language, and the culture but to seek the removal of the source of disempowerment knowledge and strength.