saamenkielen

Saamenkielen is a fictional language that appears in the works of Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, most notably in her book *Ronia, the Robber's Daughter*. Within the narrative, saamenkielen is spoken by the Mattis clan, a group of robbers living in a forest castle. It is presented as a distinct and somewhat primitive language, reflecting the wild and isolated lifestyle of its speakers.

The language features unique vocabulary and grammatical structures that set it apart from the Swedish spoken by other characters. While Lindgren never developed a full lexicon or grammar for saamenkielen, she sprinkled words and phrases throughout the text to create a sense of authenticity and cultural identity for the Mattis clan. These linguistic elements contribute to the characterization of the robbers, portraying them as a tight-knit community with their own traditions and way of life. Examples of saamenkielen include names of characters, creatures, and expressions used in dialogue.

The use of saamenkielen in *Ronia, the Robber's Daughter* serves to enhance the fantastical and somewhat archaic atmosphere of the story. It underscores the separation between the robbers and the outside world, highlighting their self-sufficiency and their deep connection to the natural environment they inhabit. The language contributes to the overall lore of the novel, adding a layer of depth to the world Lindgren created.