Literature related to the concept and practice of Talanoa Va

Dr. David Fa‘avae, Dr. Ruth Faleolo, and Dr. Dion Enari have collectively developed the concept of Talanoa Vā, a Pacific research methodology that combines the relational space (vā) with talanoa—open, inclusive dialogue. Fa‘avae’s work highlights how e-talanoa, a digital form of talanoa, extends these relational ethics into online spaces, enabling meaningful connection and knowledge sharing among Pacific communities even when physical gatherings are limited. Faleolo and Enari further emphasize maintaining ethical relationality (vā) throughout research, ensuring respectful and culturally grounded engagement.

For PARC, adopting Talanoa Vā in research and teaching is essential for cultural responsiveness, creating spaces where Pacific learners, educators, and researchers feel valued and understood. This practice not only preserves the integrity of Pacific methodologies but also nurtures the vital relational bonds central to Pacific ways of knowing and being.

Enari, D. (2021). Methodology marriage: Merging Western and Pacific research design. Pacific Dynamics: Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 5(1), 61-73.

Fa‘avae, D. T. M., Faleolo, R., Hepi Havea, E., Enari, D., Wright, T., & Chand, A. (2022). e–talanoa as an online research method: extending vā–relations across spaces. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 18(3), 391-401.

Fainga'a-Manusione, I., Harvey, A., Stuart, J., Statham, M., Pelite, N., Aloalii, F., & Aloalii, R. (2024b). Enhancing equitable inclusion for the Pasifika diaspora in mainstream Australia, using Pasifika methodologies within higher education and community settings. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 43(6), 910-925.

Faleolo, R. (2021). Talanoa moe vā: Pacific knowledge-sharing and changing sociocultural spaces during COVID-19. Waikato Journal of Education, 26, 125-134.