First choose a noun and determine whether it is an a-class or o-class possession. Let’s use penitala or pencil. If there’s no letter in the first column then it’s plural and specific set of penitala. If there’s an l, then it’s singular and specific penitala. If we use “s” then we’re saying “a” penitala. Not a specific one, just a penitala. If we say “ni” then it’s plural and nonspecific. So ni is the plural of “s”.
The second column is about the type of possession. In Samoan, a-class possessions generally speaking are disposable materials, and relationships and situations that you have control over. Here’s some list of A-class possessions.
O class possessions are things that are out of your control and relationships you were born into like your mother, father and family. Here are some other o class possessions. You’ll hear people interchange a and o class due to context and sometimes they just dont knkw the difference, but whatever you do, make sure you address your parents and family as o-class.
Then the last column is ‘u as in la’u, u as in lau, and na as lana.
SO if I say O la’u penitala. Focus on the word in the middle…la’u. L makes it singular and specific. A is because penitala is a-class possession. And the glottal stop U is for my. SINGULAR and specific, A CLASS penitala or pencil of mine.
If I said sa’u penitala. We use “s” because it’s nonspecific. You’ll hear these in questions, Do you have a pencil. We’re not being specific becuase it doesn’t matter which pencil, I’m just asking if you have one. So .nonspecfic s
If I say ni a’u ta’avale. Ni is the plural equivelant for some. O ni a’u penitala. Some of my pencils
