Language groups
The Sami languages belong to the Finno-Ugric group and have a vague relation to the Finnish language. Both Finnish and Sami stress the first syllable of words and both languages have only one genus. Finnish and Sami are however two quite different languages, whereas the former has vowel harmony and 16 cases while Sami has up to 8 cases depending on the dialect, no vowel harmony, but dual personal pronouns and verbs.
The Sami language group consists of nine dialects that are defined into three main language groups. These are dialects of the southern region including Umesami and Southsami; of the central region including Pitesami, Lulesami and Northsami and of the eastern region including Enaresami, Skoltsami, Akkala/Kildinsami and Tersami. Six of the dialects have their own written language. These are Eneresami, Northsami, Kildinsami, Lulesami, Southsami and Eastsami.
The Sami languages are used in a vast area extending across national borders. South Sami of the southern region is spoken from Engerdal in Hedmark, Norway and Idre in Dalerna, Sweden north to the Vefsn-region and east towards the river of Skellefte. Ofoten in Norway and the Kalix and Kaitum rivers in Sweden mark the northernmost boarder of the central language region. Northsami is spoken in the region north of the same boarder extending into North-Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. East Sami dialects are spoken east of the Enare Lake in Finland and in Russia including parts the Kola Peninsula and the Karelia.
Sami in use
There are no exact numbers on how many that actually know and use Sami. The report Investigation on the use of sami from 1999 (Undersøkelse om bruken av samisk fra 1999) estimates that 23000 people use sami language in Norway and most of these reside in inner-Finnmark. The south Sami language (in Norway and Sweden) is spoken only by 10% of a total population on 2000. The Sami population in Finland amounts to 5000, but only one fifth (of the Skolt and Enari Sami) use their native language. On the Kola Peninsula about 50 % and thus 1000 persons use their native language sami. This suggests that the north-sami dialect / language predominate, and is used by approximately 90 % of the sami population. The northern Sami people and their language were less influenced by state policies and had therefore a better chance of surviving. This is particularly so in the region of inner-Finnmark. Thus, Sami varies from being the language of the relative majority to being the language of individuals belonging to an older generation.
The language
The Sami language has a rich vocabulary describing nature in particular. An exact description of nature and weather conditions has been vital for their survival in nature. Topographic terms and expressions are plentiful and can easily be used as reference points, and even as substitute for maps, when moving around in the terrain. Terminology describing weather and climate is equally plentiful, and the Sami ways of describing snow and snowy conditions exemplifies this. Currently studies are conducted to establish a terminology based on Sámi terms for applied snow research. Vocabulary related to particular traditional industries is also very rich and the reindeer husbandry is a good example of such having various terms referring to types of reindeers, to the separation of reindeers into winter groups, culling and slaughter among other things. These are terms not found in other languages.
The development of Sami
The history of the Sami language has not been one of ease. In 1862, a few years after Norway gained sovereignty, teaching instructions were passed procuring that norwegian should be the main language, while Sami and Finnish should only be languages of assistance. This policy grew stronger in the 20th century and the Sami (and Finnish) language became illegalised as part of the assimilation policies. Using sami in school was then legalised in 1959 with limited effect as most teachers were Norwegians. Hence, few Sami can read and write in their native language.
In the 1970s, the Sami experienced recognition within themselves and among each other as a people. Those with higher education succeeded in effectuating acts protecting the Sami language. The elementary school made Sami a compulsory course while courses additional courses were provided adults not able to write or read their native language. A consequence of this is that several books were written and published in the north sami language.
The written language has since the 19th century been through quite a few changes, and this has also provided the Sami with challenges considering grammar and spelling. In 1971 the Sami Language Council (Samisk Språkråd) was established in order to suggest and carry out protective measures aimed for the Sami language. Subsequently a common spelling norm has been developed for the sami language. The norm was effectuated in 1979 and revised and adjusted in 1985.
Act of the Sami language
Sami language and culture has experienced a positive development the last two decades. Yet, further concretisation is necessary in order to protect the Sami culture and language. In reference to the Norwegian constitution §110a, the State is liable for the Sami language, and the Government ought therefore to pursue a policy that is in accordance to the directives of Sami affairs. The act of the Sami language, ch. three, states the language rules intending to protect and develop the Sami language by securing the right to learning Sami at school, and to use the language in public affairs.
The administrative region of the Sami language includes six municipalities: Kautokeino, Karasjok, Nesseby, Porsanger, Tana in Finnmark and Kåfjord in Troms. In these municipalities Sami and Norwegian are equal languages, and everyone being enrolled in school is alleged to learn Sami (§3-8). Upper Secondary High schools in Karasjok and Kautokeino teaches some of their courses in Sami, while tertiary degrees in the Sami language can be pursued at the University of Tromsø. The Sami College in Kautokeino use mainly Sami as their teaching language.
Written by Hilda Vuolab, 09.02.2005
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