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Why Keven Mealamu regrets not being able to speak Samoan.

November 26, 2024 / 00:59

This episode discusses language, cultural identity, and personal growth, focusing on the speaker's experiences with their Samoan heritage and language.

The speaker reflects on their struggles with fluency in the Samoan language, expressing feelings of disappointment for not being able to communicate effectively. They mention growing up in Toor and the lack of opportunities to practice their language.

During a significant event, the speaker had the chance to guide the Speaker of Parliament through an all-Black experience, which heightened their anxiety about properly greeting and representing their culture.

Despite their fears, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself and being proud of their identity, acknowledging their limitations while celebrating their roots.

TLDR

A speaker shares struggles with Samoan language fluency and cultural pride during a significant event with the Speaker of Parliament.

Episode

0:59

00:00:00

one of the things I know I've really lit myself down on is not being able to

00:00:03

speak my language speaks full samon fluently and I can blame you know growing up in toor there wasn't many

00:00:08

people to talk to but something when I when as I go through life I'm still open

00:00:13

to learning but I'm GED I didn't learn my language beginning of the year I had

00:00:18

the chance to take the um member of the the the of the speaker for the parliament of s take him through all

00:00:25

black experience just him and his team but I couldn't sleep that night because

00:00:29

I was thinking to to myself how do I greet properly respectfully and do this properly so even when I was driving all

00:00:36

the way in I was just like man I feel like I'm letting down my family you know

00:00:40

cuz as I walk in there you carry your family name as well so and it wasn't until I get to like Spaghetti Junction

00:00:46

no almost there I was just like well you're just going to have to accept me for who I am I'm a proud Simon I'm GED I

00:00:52

can't speak Simon fluently but I'm proud of my roots

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Episode Highlights

Embracing Identity
A journey of self-acceptance and pride in one's roots.
“You're just going to have to accept me for who I am.”
@ 00m 48s
November 26, 2024

Episode Quotes

I feel like I'm letting down my family.
Why Keven Mealamu regrets not being able to speak Samoan.
You're just going to have to accept me for who I am.
Why Keven Mealamu regrets not being able to speak Samoan.
I'm a proud Simon, I'm GED.
Why Keven Mealamu regrets not being able to speak Samoan.

Key Moments

Struggle with Language00:03
Pressure of Representation00:38
Acceptance of Self00:49