It is so sad to hear about the recent passing of author and doctor Papalii Dr Semisi Ma'ia'i who was also the writer and researcher of the book 'Tusi'upu Samoa' a well researched Samoan dictionary, Volume 1 from Samoan to English. Published by little island press in 2013.In my beloved studies, he came across the dictionary and purchased it to assist in a deeper understanding of some of the nuances of words within the Samoan language. I only gave it a cursory glance in having two other dictionaries that I would often refer to i.e. 'Pratt's Grammar & Dictionary of the Samoan language' (Reprinted 1960) and 'A simplified dictionary of modern Samoa' by R.W. Allardice (reprinted 2006).
However, in starting to seriously study some of the meanings of Samoa words, their semantics, nuances and literary meanings etc. I've found Papalii Dr Semisi's dictionary of over 460 pages to be far more superior in the vastness of information available. It's also the first that I've read that has been written by a learned Samoan.
He definitely left an amazing legacy for Samoans and other interested people to discover. On the final page it's written "Continues in Volume 2 English to Samoan" and one can only assume that this is the work that he was working on to complete the two volumes.
I would highly recommend this dictionary for students or scholars studying any topics related to Samoa or for general use in deepening knowledge of gagana Samoan (Samoan language)...
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