Saami, Lule

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A language of Sweden

ISO 639-3
smj
Alternate Names
“Lapp” (pej.), Lule, Saami
Population

1,500 in Sweden (Krauss 1992). 1,000–2,000 speakers in Norway and Sweden (Salminen 2007). Population total all countries: 2,000. Ethnic population: 6,000.

Location

Lapland, Gällivare and Jokkmokk, along Lule river. Also in Norway.

Language Maps
Language Status

2 (Provincial). Statutory provincial language in administrative area municipalities located in at least part of the following counties: Dalarna, Jämtland, Norrbotten, Västerbotten (2009, NMNML Act No. 724, Article 6).

Classification
Uralic, Sami, Western, Northern
Dialects

Quite distinct from other Saami.

Language Use

Language use has recently been activated to some extent. Younger speakers may nevertheless prefer Swedish [swe] (2007). Used by few children.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 1%–5%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%–100%. NT: 1903–2003.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Saami, Lule
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Ethnic autonym: Saami.

Also spoken in:

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