Original scientific paper
A note on language preservation - with special reference to Sami in northern Scandinavia
Ernst Hakon Jahr
; University of Tromso
Abstract
This paper discusses the situation of the Sami (Lapp) language of northern Scandinavia in
the context of increasing language loss all over the world. Optimistic estimates suggest
30,000 speakers of Sami today, with a clear majority in Norway. After a long period of suppression
from local and central authorities the Norwegian state now supports actively the
use of Sami. It is pointed out that two areas or domains are especially vital for the continued
use of the language: 1) traditional Sami activities such as reindeer breeding, hunting,
fishing, and handicrafts; and 2) the families. Here the linguistic development of mixed families
(Sami/non-Sami) seems to be of fundamental importance.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
24209
URI
Publication date:
3.6.1996.
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