AIGA

Aiga is a term that may refer to different topics depending on the context. It is commonly used in Samoan culture to denote the extended family and the social unit that organizes kinship, obligations, and communal life. It is also the acronym for AIGA, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, a major professional association for designers.

In Samoan usage, aiga describes the core family grouping, including parents, children, and extended relatives. The concept shapes daily life, residence, celebrations, and access to shared resources. Responsibility, reciprocity, and respect for elders are often linked to aiga, and decisions are frequently made within the family circle. The term reflects the communal nature of Samoan society, where kinship ties influence social and economic obligations.

AIGA, founded in 1914 as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, is a nonprofit membership organization that supports designers through education, standards, and advocacy. It operates chapters in cities worldwide, hosts events, and sponsors awards such as the AIGA Medal. It also publishes Eye on Design and other resources to promote design literacy and professional development. The organization emphasizes ethical practice, diversity, and the advancement of design as a profession and cultural force.

The two uses of aiga are unrelated beyond sharing a phonetic form; one denotes a fundamental social unit in Samoa, while the other is a global professional body for design. Capitalization generally distinguishes the design organization from the cultural term in written English.