Saami, Lule

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A language of Sweden

ISO 639-3

smj

Alternate Names

Lule, Saami, “Lapp” (pej.)

Autonym

Julevusámegiella

Population

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

Location

Norrbotten county: Gällivare and Jokkmokk municipalities, along Lule river.

Language Maps

Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden

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

None known. Quite distinct from other Saami.

Language Use

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

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 [Latn].

Also spoken in:

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Norway

Language nameSaami, Lule

Population Full

500 in Norway (Krauss 1992). 1,000–2,000 speakers in Norway and Sweden (Salminen 2007). Ethnic population: 1,000 (1995 M. Krauss).

Location

Nordland county: Folden, Hamaroy, and Tysfjord.

Alternate Names

Julevusámegiella, Lule, Saame

Status

6b (Threatened).

Language Use

Language use has recently been activated to some extent. Younger speakers may nevertheless prefer Norwegian [nor] (Salminen 2007). Some young people, all adults. Also use Norwegian [nor].

Language Development

Literacy rate in L1: 30%–60%. Literacy rate in L2: 75%–100%.

Other Comments

Non-indigenous.

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Ethnologue

Saami, Lule

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A language of Sweden

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