Background Study Year Documentation Gallery Links Background Study Year Documentation Gallery Links

CASLE

.fi                                                                  Revitalising Indigenous Languages

C

omplementary

A

anaar

S

aami

L

anguage

E

ducation

         logo slide show

Summary

The book tells the story of the IndigenousAanaar Sami Language (around 350 speakers) and cultural revitalization in Finland. A message of hope is strongly weaved throughout the entire book, while at the same time, tackling the many challenges that exist in revitalizing an endangered language. It offers a new language revitalization method that can be used with Indigenous minority languages, especially in cases where the native language has been lost among working-age people. The book gives practical examples as well as a theoretical frame of reference for how to plan, organize and implement an intensive language programme for adults who already have professional training. It is the first time that a process of revitalization of a very small language has been systematically described from the beginning; it is a small-scale success story. The book finishes with self- reflection and cautious recommendations for Indigenous peoples and minorities who want to revive or revitalize their languages. The book also offers 50+ pages of information boxes regarding various issues related to language revitalization and the experiences of other groups in regards to revitalization efforts.