Saami, Skolt

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A language of Finland

ISO 639-3
sms
Alternate Names
Kolta, Koltta, “Lapp” (pej.), Lopar, Russian Lapp, Saame, Same, Skolt Lappish
Population

300 in Finland (Salminen 2007). Population total all countries: 650. Ethnic population: 500 in Finland (1995 M. Krauss).

Location

Lapland, Inari county, Sevettijärvi region. Also in Russian Federation.

Language Maps
Language Status

7 (Shifting). Statutory language of provincial identity in Sodankyla in Lapland, 3 municipalities elsewhere (2003, Sami Language Act No. 1086).

Classification
Uralic, Sami, Eastern
Language Use

Very few children learn the language (2007). Mainly older adults. Also use Finnish [fin].

Language Development
Literacy rate in L1: 10%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%–100%. Dictionary. Bible portions: 1878–1988.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Saami, Skolt
Writing
Latin script.
Other Comments

Moved to Finland from Russia during World War II. Christian.

Also spoken in:

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