“Go ealáska, de lea váttis dápmat” : davvisámegiela etnolingvisttalaš ceavzinnávccaid guorahallan guovtti gránnjágielddas Deanus ja Ohcejogas 2000-logu álggus

This sociolinguistic dissertation examines the ethno-linguistic vitality of North Sámi in the two neighbouring municipalities of Deatnu/Tana in Norway and Ohcejohka/Utsjoki in Finland. The Sámi language revitalization manifested itself differently in different areas. My research focuses on how these differences influenced local level revitalization processes. Specifically the research solicited information on the linguistic history and language skills as well as actual language use of my informants: children and youth age 10-16 years in the primary schools and upper secondary schools in Deatnu and Ohcejohka. I interviewed also parents about how they evaluate the vitality of Sámi language and the role of the new Sámi policy in their home community. One result is that a language shift among Sámi people has nearly stopped because most of the Sámi speakers speak now Sámi to their children. In fact one can argue there is a reverse language shift occurring too. Although formal education in Sámi language is important so are larger extended linguistic networks. For the parents that have raised their children as Sámi speakers, kindergarten, extended family and friends are the most important supporters for the language learning of the children. The parents in Deatnu municipality consider the school to play a significant role in the promotion of Sámi language. In Ohcejohka most of the parents consider the school as an obstacle for the children’s socialisation as Sámi speakers. My data shows that the ways of organisation Sámi language education influences clearly the use of Sámi language among children. The children on the Finnish side use Sámi language considerably less than the children on the Norwegian side. In conclusion I argue there is a need for changes both on the macro and meso levels in order to enhance revitalization of Sámi language in the researched area.