Kareelian

Kareelian is a term that can refer to several related concepts, primarily concerning the Karelian people and their culture. Most commonly, it refers to the language spoken by the Karelians, a Finnic ethnic group indigenous to Karelia, a historical region now divided between Russia and Finland. Karelian is an East Finnic language, closely related to Finnish and Veps. It is considered endangered, with its number of speakers having significantly declined over the past century. There are several dialects of Karelian, with Tver Karelian, Livvi Karelian, and North Karelian being among the most prominent. Efforts are underway by cultural organizations and enthusiasts to preserve and revitalize the language.

Beyond the language, "Kareelian" can also describe things or people associated with Karelia. This includes Karelian culture, which encompasses a rich tradition of folklore, music, dance, and crafts. The historical region of Karelia itself has a long and complex history, marked by periods of Swedish, Russian, and Finnish rule, which has profoundly shaped the identity of the Karelian people and their culture. Therefore, "Kareelian" is a multifaceted term encompassing linguistic, cultural, and geographical associations.