This is especially true when saving face or when one tries to avoid situations that will
potentially bring shame upon her/himself as well as her/his family:
Personal pride that … because he or she asks too many questions other students will
think … he or she is dumb, stupid. (T4.I2.55)
This quote in particular gives insight into a common interpretation of inquisitive pupils in
class as ‘dumb’ or ‘stupid’ by her peers. With this in mind, it is therefore not surprising to
find that le tautala exists in Samoan classrooms.