Tafesilafa'i: Towards a Samoan Epistemology in the Diaspora - Softcover

Tagaloa, Misi Pouena

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1448628369 ISBN 13: 9781448628360

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2010

Synopsis

Tafesilafa'i is a community conversation of the Samoan communities in the United States. The author, using the grounded theory research methodology, has suggested that: Samoans, because of their fa'a-Samoa, come to know in unique ways. Because the fa'a-Samoa has its own cosmogony, social infrastructures, culture, and unique language, it stands to reason that Samoans come to know in a unique way. In this work, the fa'a-Samoa is placed in dialogue with theories of perception and the resulting epistemology, or theory of knowledge, is embodied and showcased during the Tafesilafa'i Festivals. Tafesilafa'i is a faith-and-community-based organization that functions as an organic clearinghouse for the fa'a-Samoa and a think tank where inquiries about the Samoan people, language and culture are addressed. Tafesilafa'i is also a place where contributions by the Samoan community are made to the larger community.

About this title

About the Author

Misi Pouena Tagaloa was called to the parish ministry in 1994 after serving seven years as an officer with a reputable financial institution. A graduate of Claremont School of Theology, he also holds both engineering and advance business degrees. Rev. Tagaloa is the Senior Minister at Second Samoan Congregational UCC in Long Beach, California and his interests include multiracial and multicultural issues. Rev. Tagaloa holds a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from Claremont School of Theology, and is a catalyst for transformation in marginalized communities. A prominent leader in the Samoan-American community, Rev. Tagaloa co-founded the Tafesilafa'i Festival, a learning context where cultural and religious wisdom construct a theology that redefines the mission of ethnic churches in the diaspora. Rev. Tagaloa is married to Mareta Faiai-Tagaloa and they have three children.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1448628369
• ISBN 13: 9781448628360
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256