The Sami language is Nature based. It is extremely detailed with regards to the
description of nature. There are about 300 words for describing snow and ice. Only
a third of Sami are able to speak the language. Authorities believe their
language is superior, so they teach that the Sami language is no good.
Therefore, parents are afraid it might be dangerous for their children to learn
the language. Nowadays, they have learned that all languages are equal, so the
language is now growing.
There
is no single Sami language. Between all of the Sami groups, there are about
10 different, distinct languages. They are closely related, but one group of
speakers cannot understand a different group’s language. Due to authorities prohibiting the language in
schools and at home, all Sami languages are now on their way to being extinct.
Many people are attempting to expand the use of the Sami language; however,
the legacy of cultural repression is still in existence. Many Sami elders refuse to speak the
language, which alienates the children who are now speaking it.
Sámigiella - an Arctic nature language - The Sami language, Galduorg, March 30, 2007 http://youtu.be/vkG7psgdl1o
Sámigiella - an Arctic nature language - The Sami language, Galduorg, March 30, 2007 http://youtu.be/vkG7psgdl1o
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_people
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v3SvXokCbi4
http://scandinavian.wisc.edu/dubois/Courses_folder/Sami_readings/Week3/LanguageToday.pdf
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v3SvXokCbi4
I was surprised that there are so many different distinct languages of the Saami. No group can understand another group, unlike Spanish languages where there are some different versions of words according to the country, but the basic language is mostly the same. The same language is spoken within several countries though, which at least keeps some groups able to communicate.
ReplyDeleteOut of all of the Saami people, it surprises me that only one third of the population speaks the Saami language. It seems like an amazing language, considering it is based on nature. I think it is sad that other people tried to keep the Saami from speaking their language. A language means so much more than just the way you speak. It is part of their culture and distinguishes each group of Saami from all of the others. I hope the Saami language recovers from its downfall and that the Saami can regain a big part of their culture.