My first original Survey for my participants.

 

In this survey I created a variety of question that would give me insight into how the students view themselves as second language learners and what why think about learning Gagana Samoa in class. Now from reading their responses they all confirm that they have a positive affirmation about using the Gagana Samoa in class. 

-Students confirmed that it supports them by using their language to communicate with students who are strong in the English language, 

- They also mentioned that it has improved the way they speak the language, it has developed their confidence in speaking the language

- They are proud when they show others what they can do when using Gagana Samoa Language This gives me the idea that it is much more uplifting when you know you can use your heritage language and show others that you can use it well. 

- Learning new words in Gagana Samoa. 

- Students said that using both languages helps them translate and or switch to both English and Samoan. 

- "My Gagana Samoa Language is my first language yes english can be everyones number one language but for me speaking my Samoan Language keeps it alive and that I can use it to speak with my grandparents and family in samoa"

There was a question in the Survey that asked the students if they were to explain their Gagana Samoa Speeches to me in a clear way could they? 

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This answer from one of my participants is powerful why? because it gives me a purpose as a bilingual educator. This student says maybe which send the impression that she is not confident enough to explain her speech. But her last sentence where she mentions she wished she knew what it all meant because she knew it meant something meaningful. 

- Other students mentioned they do understand because their uncle explained every word and sentence. 

- All the students are proud of their language and make the feel unique. 

- All students confirmed that using a 50/50 percent rotation is not confusing for them. I found this comment very intriguing lol 

Students mentioned that using both in a positive for them because there are students who are trying to improve their English Proficiency. Also Majority of the work is English. This does bring up the idea around  Translanguaging where Baker 2003 suggest that this way is an arrangement that normalises bilingualism. if students are doing most of their work in English are we then empowering our students or removing the power away from them in terms of developing their heritage language.

All there parents encourage the use of Gagana Samoa at home.

Most use both languages to communicate with their peers others English, Others Gagana Samoa

Good to know that Gagana Samoa is mostly used at home. Now I wish I did my project on a larger scale of students not just 9. Maybe this could be one of my next steps.

There was a mixture in reponses in terms of being able to Read, write, speak in Gagana Samoa

The mixed responses stated that they could maybe write but not speak confidently, because most of the time English is spoken at home. others said Yes because they speak Gagana Samoa all the time at home.

There was a comment that mentioned that most times they dont know the meaning of words and phrases in Gagana Samoa. One student mentioned they need help from their peers.

These responses speak volumes in terms of opportunities provided for our student to participate and learn about their heritage language, culture and identity. The leave with rick knowledge that can be passed on forever. Man going these surveys brings new insights to what student actually go through in the bilingual setting and its also clear to say that they appreciate the opportunities to learn our treasure of Gagana Samoa.