Samas

Samas is a term that can refer to more than one subject. In Sanskrit grammar, samāsa (often transliterated samas) is the name for a compound word formed by combining two or more words to function as a single unit. It is a foundational concept in Panini’s grammar and in later Indian linguistic traditions. Scholars distinguish several subtypes, including dvandva compounds (coordinated) and tatpuruṣa compounds (determinative); the exact classification depends on the elements involved. The transliteration varies, and some English-language discussions render the term as samas.

In ethnolinguistics, Sama or Samal refers to Austronesian-speaking communities found in the Sulu Archipelago and adjacent regions. The Sama, sometimes grouped together with Bajau peoples as Sama-Bajau, inhabit parts of the southern Philippines, Sabah (Malaysia), and nearby Indonesian coasts. They are traditionally maritime, with economies centered on fishing and seafaring. The Sama languages form part of the Sama-Bajau branch of the Austronesian family; there are numerous dialects and varieties. Religious affiliation varies by subgroup, but many Sama communities are Muslim. The plural form “samas” may appear in some sources as a reference to multiple Sama people; however, standard usage favors “Sama” or “Samal” for the group.

The word is also easy to confuse with other terms. It should not be mistaken for samosa, the fried pastry, or for place names such as Samos in Greece.