South Saami outside the classroom
Undoubtedly, one of the most important factors in the preservation and fortitude of the South Saami language is its connection to the reindeer herding. For centuries the reindeer herding was at the heart of the way of life of many South Saami communities. The reindeer supplied meat and milk for eating, and skin and antlers for the making of clothes, tools, and equipment, and moving with the migratory herds framed the herders very existence. The reindeer herding still is the most important cultural marker of South Saami identity. Even today the reindeer herding is so much more than mere production of meat. Although many aspects of the working processes and the economy has been greatly modernized, the core activities remains the same. And as it always has been, the use of the language is still an integral part. It offers a highly nuanced and specialized terminology of the animals, the natural conditions of landscape and climate, and of the complex processes of labour and of the social structures. Thus the reindeer herding has provided a stabile framework and social context for the preservation and active use of the language.
The church and Christianity has played a multi-faceted and ambiguous role in Saami history. Historically, missionaries worked hard to substitute the indigenous religion, and were instrumental in the assimilation policies of the Norwegian and Swedish nation-states. At the same time, many missionaries gave heed to the Saami culture and language, insisted on learning and using their language, and made huge efforts in documenting and codifying the Saami languages in writing.
In recent years, the church has been a very important institution both as a social arena and for augmented public visibility through recognizing and using the language in services. The South Saami congregation is a social force and an important source for identity building and expression. And for many South Saami youths, the confirmation courses with offer popular social events, especially on the Swedish side of the border.
The yearly summit at Ankarede in Sweden is a popular gathering of South Saamis from both sides of the border. For a prolonged mid-Summer weekend, the small “church-town” is filled with people and activities such as barbecuing over bonfires, concerts, and dancing.
