Browsing by Author "Laihi, Tiina-Maaria"

The topic of this study is the role of language nests in the language and culture revitalization of Skolt Sámi. Language nests are used for revitalizing a threatened indigenous language and/or culture using a language bath method in a so-called perfect language environment with the help of everyday interaction and care in a culturally sensitive way. Using the Skolt Sámi language nest Pe ́sser in Ivalo as an example, the study discusses the operational environment of language nests at a practical level as well as at the levels of local Sámi community and the Finnish society. It is also the first ethnographic study on the Skolt Sámi language nests. The data was gathered through ethnographic participant observation, interviews, and discourse analysis combined with methods from authoethnographic reflexivity and indigenous studies. The language nest activities and their meaning for the community were observed within the contexts of language learning and socialization as well as postmodern identity. Based on the study, it can be said that the children gain linguistic capabilities and familiarize themselves with the Sámi culture in the language nest. As in other language nest studies, it was noted that the language nests are not sufficient for achieving revitalization by themselves, but also other domains are needed where the indigenous people can use their language and promote and practice their culture. The changing life and work situations were problematic for the continuity and the language community of the language nest. Attitudes towards the language and culture also affect the participation in the nests and the support for them. The discrimination against the Skolts and the stigma for using the language are still visible in the community, affecting the language and culture revitalization. The roles of the society and the Sámi community were pronounced in the way in which the language nest funding is decided and in the regulations concerning the nests. The role of (social) media is also increasingly important for understanding the role and the meaning of the language nests and also for creating modern Sámi identities. The language nests have an important role as symbols of hope as well as places where the community members can participate in the language and culture revitalization.