New speakers of Sámi: From insecurity to pride

Abstract

This article examines language reclamation and adult language learning processes from the individual perspective by focusing on experiences of language reclamation and emotions and reflections through this process. We draw on data from interviews with new speakers (O’Rourke 2015) of Sámi in two small Sea Sámi municipalities Gáivuotna and Unjárga in Northern Norway. They have acquired Sámi through immersion or bilingual educational programs, revitalization projects or as adult language learners. New speakers who reclaim an indigenous language often have to re-evaluate their own levels of linguistic competence and creatively (re)structure their social practices. For many new speakers, the process of taking their language back is characterised by a feeling of pride and investment, but also emotional challenges. The analysis of the material sheds light on their feelings, reflections and experiences of their trajectories of language learning and reclamation and shows how changes in language use may come about in conjunction with important life events, such as for instance becoming a parent or changing jobs. Further, our analysis shows that speakers develop strategies to help them progress from insecurity in the initial stages of language reclamation to a point where they feel safe and at home in their language.