Making speeches, fai lauga, is an important part of life in Nanumea and throughout Tuvalu. Speeches are always a part of Ahiga gatherings, given by elders, who are usually men. However, women also give speeches in the Ahiga, both in community wide gatherings and also of course on special occasions when the women of Nanumea gather for a festive event.

We tape recorded many speeches during our visits to Nanumea and here we will present a selection of them. They capture a flavor of real life, with their customary beginnings and endings, witty asides, jokes, and self-deprication. We hope you enjoy this taste of Nanumea!

Male
This short speech by Male (who was married to Hipa) was made on the morning of 21 December 1973, at Male and Hipa's house in Haumaefa i tai. Relatives had gathered to celebrate the marriage of Male's grandson Tiligana to Lofale. The house was filled with elders and young people, there was music, the singing of Fakaseasea and Lautapa, and of course there were speeches.

Male, daughter of Taukave and Meleane, was an older sister of Kalipa. Born in Nanumea in 1895, she was 78 years old when she made this speech. She died in Nanumea in 1983 - she was 88 years old.

Speech by Male at wedding of Tiligana and Lofale
Recorded 21 December, 1973, Nanumea (3 minutes)

Other Speeches will come...

Use of these Recordings: Nanumeans may download and use our recordings for personal use. Use for commercial or other purposes is prohibited without prior written permission. Audio Recordings Copyright ©Keith and Anne Chambers, 1973-2020, all rights reserved.