Can policies improve language vitality? The Sami languages in Sweden and Norway.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Language policies are often aimed at changing language behaviours, yet it is notoriously difficult to assess their effects. This study investigates language use and competence in the Indigenous Sámi populations of Norway and Sweden in light of the national-level policies the two countries have adopted.

Methods

We provide a cross-country comparison of relevant educational, linguistic and budgetary policies in Sweden and Norway. Next, we present novel data from a survey with 5,416 Sámi and non-Sámi participants in 20 northern municipalities, examining Sámi language use and proficiencies across generations and contexts. Lexical proficiency in North Sámi was tested in a small subset of participants.

Results

Sámi language use has dropped considerably over the

SUBMITTER: Lloyd-Smith A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10187035 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature