Abstract
This research paper examines the experiences of adult students learning North Sámi in a 10-week introductory immersion language course at Sámi University College, Kautokeino, Norway. The Sámi are an indigenous people who originally inhabited Sápmi, the traditional Sámi land which cross-borders Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Amongst the 10 Sami languages spoken today, North Sámi has the largest number of speakers. The study analyses: 1) the curriculum, which is grounded in local culture and knowledges (place-based learning); and 2) factors that contribute to students’ academic performance. 7 Sámi students and 5 non-Sámi students participated in this study; each was enrolled in an intensive introductory language course in North Sámi. Interview results show that the students are highly satisfied with the course and considered place-based learning to be a key factor in their successful completion of the course. For many indigenous Sámi students, identity and Sámi language skills are closely related. Identity becomes a strong motivational factor in their coming to northern Norway and studying North Sámi at Sámi University College. The result also indicates the important role of Sámi University College in revitalising indigenous language throughout the Sápmi as an indigenous institution of higher education.
