Tense Action Subject Location

Understanding the Tense-Subject-Action Format in Samoan

When learning Samoan, sentence structures can seem complex at first, but breaking them down makes them much easier to understand. One key format is Tense-Subject-Action (TSA), which is commonly used when the subject performing the action is a pronoun. In this format, the pronoun comes before the action, making it clear who is doing what.

What is Tense-Subject-Action (TSA)?

Tense-Subject-Action is a way of structuring sentences in Samoan where the tense marker comes first, followed by the subject (which must be a pronoun), and then the action or verb. This structure is used when the sentence emphasizes the doer of the action, especially if the subject is a pronoun like ou (I), e (you), or latou (they).

If a common noun (like “the boy” or “the teacher”) is mentioned in this format, it is not the primary subject. Instead, it becomes part of the object or the receiver of the action.

Breaking Down TSA

Here’s how TSA sentences are built:

1. Tense Marker – Indicates when the action happens (e.g., ua for past or completed actions, o lo’o for ongoing actions, e for habitual or future actions).
2. Subject Pronoun – The person or group performing the action (e.g., ou for “I,” e for “you,” matou for “we,” latou for “they”).
3. Action/Verb – The activity or event being described (e.g., savali for walking, faitau for reading, fai for doing).

Examples of TSA

Here are some examples to help illustrate the TSA format:

1. E te faitau. – You read.
   • E (tense marker for habitual action) + te (subject: you) + faitau (action: read).
2. Ua matou sisiva. – We (exclusive) danced.
   • Ua (tense marker for completed action) + matou (subject: we) + siva (action: danced).
3. O lo’o latou ta’a’alo. – They are playing.
   • O lo’o (tense marker for ongoing action) + latou (subject: they) + ta’alo (action: playing).

What Happens to Common Nouns in TSAL?

If there is a common noun (like “the boy” or “the teacher”), it is placed after the action. This noun is the object or the receiver of the action, not the primary subject.

Examples:

1. E te faitau i le tusi. – You read the book.
   • E (tense) + te (subject pronoun: you) + faitau (action: read) + i le tusi (object: the book).
2. Ua ou ‘ai i le mea’ai. – I ate the food.
   • Ua (tense) + ou (subject pronoun: I) + ‘ai (action: eat) + i le mea’ai (object: the food).
3. O lo’o matou talanoa ma le faia’oga. – We are talking to the teacher.
   • O lo’o (tense) + matou (subject pronoun: we) + talanoa (action: talk) + ma le faia’oga (object: with the teacher).

Why Use TSA?

TSA is used to keep the subject (the doer of the action) front and center when it’s a pronoun. This structure is very natural in Samoan when describing who is doing something and provides clarity, especially in conversational speech.

For example:

• O lo’o matou tamo’e. – We are running.
  This sentence is short, clear, and immediately tells the listener who is performing the action.

Practice TSA Sentences

Try creating your own TSA sentences using these building blocks:

Tense Markers:

• E – Present/future habitual actions.
• Ua – Completed actions.
• O lo’o – Ongoing actions.

Pronouns:

• Ou – I.
• E – You (singular).
• Ia – He/She.
• Matou – We (exclusive).
• Tatou – We (inclusive).
• Latou – They.

Actions:

• Savali – Walk.
• Faitau – Read.
• Moe – Sleep.
• Tamo’e – Run.
• Talanoa – Talk.

Summary

The Tense-Subject-Action format is a core part of Samoan sentence structure, emphasizing the subject when it’s a pronoun. Remember:

1. Tense markers come first to show when the action is happening.
2. Pronouns immediately follow as the doer of the action.
3. Verbs/actions come next to describe what is happening.
4. Common nouns are placed after the action as objects or receivers of the action.

With practice, TSA will feel natural and become a fundamental part of your Samoan language skills!