Course description for 2026/27
Indigenous Languages and Cultures in Northern Norway
SMI1023
Course description for 2026/27
Indigenous Languages and Cultures in Northern Norway
SMI1023
Did you know there are 10 different indigenous Saami languages in the Nordic countries? Come and learn about the connection between land and people - and how the Western and indigenous perspectives come into conflict - or live peacefully side by side! Join Nord and learn more!
In this course we will dive into the global indigenous world located in Sápmi in and around Bodø. You will learn about the Saami indigenous languages and culture and build an understanding of indigenous and traditional world views. You will learn about the roots of the Saami languages and even to greet and count - and about the revitalization of the language and culture. During the course you will also produce your own Saami ornament. Discover Saami at Nord!
Admission to the semester package Norwegian and Indigenous Language and Culture
Knowledge:
The student:
- has knowledge about Saami languages and culture - both historic and contemporary social and political conditions
- has knowledge about the Indoeuropeian and the Finno-Ugric language groups and some of the language history
- has knowledge about the different Saami letters in the alphabet and the most important pronunciation features
- has knowledge about the casus system in Saami languages
- has knowledge about international indigenous social and political conditions
- has knowledge about cultural and linguistic assimilation and revitalization
- has knowledge about Saami reindeer herding and its importance for today’s language and culture
- has knowledge about the use of materials within traditional Saami handicrafts, duedtie/doudji
Skills:
The student:
- knows how to present him-/herself in Saami
- is able to point out Saami languages in the world´s linguistic map
- can manage to produce a piece of Saami handicrafts
- can draw parallells between Saami culture and other Indigenous and/or minority cultures
General competence:
The student:
- has insight in and awareness and understanding of other cultures
- knows how to approach people from other cultures and from minority and Indigenous cultures
- knows about revitalization of Indigenous and minority cultures and languages worldwide
- understands the importance of early language learning
- has an understanding of the connection between land and people
No costs except for semester registration and course literature. All students need to have a laptop of their own.
Compulsory in the semester package Norwegian and Indigenous Languages and Cultures.
The teaching will be consentrated to a few weeks with a mix of lectures and seminars at campus and excursions to relevant places or institutions with Saami content.
The course is evaluated by the students each year. This is part of the quality assurance work of the university.
Oral presentation in groups
Two assessment tasks, oral or written
All
We recommend the course for students with an interest in Norwegian and indigenous languages and cultures.
Course language
ENGELSK
Credits
10
Study location
Bodø
Responsible faculty
The Faculty of Education and Arts
Course coordinator
