Sámegiella

Sámegiella refers to the Sámi languages, a group of closely related Finno-Ugric languages spoken by the Sámi people in the Arctic region of northern Europe. These languages are indigenous to the Sápmi region, which spans parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Sámegiella is not a single monolithic language but rather a collection of distinct, though mutually intelligible to varying degrees, languages or dialects. Linguists typically categorize them into Western and Eastern Sámi branches.

The Western Sámi languages include North Sámi, Lule Sámi, and South Sámi, among others. North Sámi is the most widely spoken of all Sámi languages. The Eastern Sámi languages include languages such as Kildin Sámi, Skolt Sámi, and Inari Sámi. Many of these languages have faced significant pressure from dominant national languages over centuries, leading to endangerment for several varieties.

Efforts to preserve and revitalize Sámegiella have been ongoing, with a growing emphasis on education, media, and cultural initiatives. Sámi languages have official status in certain municipalities and regions within Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The Sámi Parliaments in these countries play a role in promoting and supporting the use of Sámegiella. Linguistic research continues to document and analyze the diverse features of these unique languages.