Week 9 Term 3 - Tongan Language Week 2023 (September 11 - September 15)

Tongan Language Week 2023 - Tamaki College

The theme for Tongan Language 2023 is "E tu'uloa 'a e Lea faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá; which means the Tongan Language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community." (www.parliament.nz). What I have learnt about my own language journey with Gagana Samoa, is that the language is in the way we communicate, talk and in how we relate. One of the key takeaways for me with Tongan Language Week was through a PLD session that we had. The focus of the PLD session was on 'Vā - Tauhi Vā' looking at relationships and the keeping of relationships through a Tongan lens. 

Vā

Relational space

'Vā - Tauhi Vā' connects to the Tapasā document. In particular Tapasā Turu 2: Collaborative and respectful relationships and professional behaviors. Establishes and maintains collaborative and respectful relationships and professional behaviours that enhance learning and wellbeing for Pacific learners. The 'vā' is the sacred, spiritual, social and relational space in our Pacific cultural settings. I have my own understanding of the 'vā' as a Samoan. I was interested to understand the 'vā' in a Tongan context. I was not surprised to learn that there are many similarities in how Tongan and Samoan culture interpret this space. 

Koloa Tongan Showcase @ TC for Tongan Language Week 2023

During the PLD, they shared other takes and interpretations on what the 'vā' is. There was one that I resonated with, "simply interpersonal relationships" (Thaman, 2003). Interpersonal relationships are seen in how people communicate and act with each other within their own cultural and social spaces. They also shared what 'Vā - Tauhi Vā' means and the way in which they nurture relationships. "Tauhi-vā then is one of the fundamental elements of the four golden values or pillars of Tongan culture known as “faa‘i kaveikoula” (Mele Suipi Latu). She also explained 

Vāoif (when the vā is nurtured - tauhi - then the relationship is ofi - close)

Vā mama'o (lack of engagement or the there is distance in the relationship)

As I continue to learn and grow in my culture, I am understanding the importance of 'vaofi' - presence and commitment - to a relationship and how this helps to strengthen the relationship. 

Fakakaukau

Reflection

We were asked a series of questions to help us reflect on the relationships that we have at school and what we do to take care of the vā in these relationships with our akonga and colleagues. The relationship I chose to highlight was the relationship between myself and the students in my Whanau House Group. 

Describe or explain your relationship

The relationship is centered around my role as Dean - taking care of the students. The students come to me for a range of issues and concerns. The relationship is driven by a balance of transactional and transformational leadership (on my part) - I am trying to build my service through transformational leadership (bottom up). 

How successful is your relationship?

This is not something I reflect on too much. But I believe that there is a mutual respect between myself and my students. I feel that this makes the relationship successfull - we understand each other's place, no boundaries are crossed and there is a mutual love and respect there. 

How do you keep or nurture your relationships?

Constant communication and staying connected. As their Dean, I believe that it is important that I am across everything when it comes to their journey at school - from academic, pastoral, learning, behavior  - I try my best to stay across it all and communicate with them clearly. Creating clear expectations and boundaries is something that I do and I believe that this helps to nurture the relationship because my students understand and know their place. It works for me as well. 

Any need for improvement? How?

There is always room for improvement. I think my presence is important so making sure that I am available to my students. I also know that I can continue to ensure that my communication is constant, clear and concise with my students. 

Totara House @ Tongan Language Week 2023

Totara House @ Tongan Language Week 2023

I have enjoyed learning and understanding what the vā means in a Tongan context. Although there are many similarities, I appreciate the differences as well. I see how important tauhi va is in Tongan culture and I have seen it in action here at school through the Tongan Parent's Association and the Tongan Polyfest group. I love learning about cultures as it helps to strengthen and affirm what I know about mine.