Koltansaame needs special status to survive, report finds

A new report highlights the precarious state of the Koltansaami language, calling for it to be granted special status alongside other Sámi languages.

The study, conducted by the Skolt Sámi Cultural Foundation, warns that Koltansaami—spoken by around 300 people—risks disappearing entirely if its value is measured solely by the number of speakers.

Researcher Mirkka Ollila emphasized that the small size of the language community should not determine its worth. “If we only consider how few users or schoolchildren there are, the language will be lost completely,” she said. “Even a group of one or five students is large enough to justify support.”

The report also identifies historical trauma and ongoing exclusion as barriers to revival. Many Koltansaami speakers have faced criticism for using their language at Sámi events, with some told it was “wrong” to speak it. Anna-Katariina Feodoroff, executive director of the Skolt Sámi Cultural Foundation, noted that assimilation has left lasting effects, making some feel safer staying silent than speaking their language.

Key challenges include fragmented education and services. Koltansaami is often taught outside regular school hours, placing a burden on children and parents. Adult education support is also lacking, limiting opportunities for speakers to reclaim the language. Services in Koltansaami are frequently limited to written communication or translations rather than natural usage, and users often feel they must demand them rather than having them offered proactively.

Despite these obstacles, there is optimism. Language nests (immersion daycare) are full, and a new generation of speakers is emerging. The report urges investment in resources to normalize Koltansaami use in society, calling for permanent support and commitment from institutions.

The full findings of the Sääʹmpääʹljes project will be published in autumn, though Yle has already reviewed the report.