Extinction of the Akkala Sami Language

On December 29, 2003, the world witnessed the extinction of the Akkala Sami language with the passing of Marja Sergina, its last known speaker. This event marked a significant cultural and linguistic loss, as the language was an integral part of the Sami heritage in the Kola Peninsula of Russia.

Background

The Akkala Sami language was one of several Sami languages spoken by the indigenous Sami people, who inhabit regions across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Sami languages belong to the Uralic language family, which also includes Finnish, Estonian, and Hungarian.

Akkala Sami was traditionally spoken in the easternmost part of the Sami region, specifically in the Kola Peninsula. Over time, the language faced significant pressures due to historical factors such as:

• Assimilation Policies: The Russian government’s policies aimed at assimilating indigenous peoples led to a decline in the use of native languages.
• Urbanization and Migration: Movement towards urban centers and the integration into broader Russian society contributed to the erosion of traditional language use.
• Intergenerational Transmission: As younger generations adopted dominant languages for economic and social reasons, the transmission of Akkala Sami from parents to children diminished.

Marja Sergina

Marja Sergina was born in the early 20th century and grew up in a community where Akkala Sami was still spoken. Throughout her life, she witnessed the gradual decline of her native language. Despite efforts to preserve it, the language’s use dwindled as the number of speakers decreased.

Significance

The extinction of Akkala Sami highlights several broader issues:

• Cultural Loss: Language is a key component of cultural identity, and its loss signifies the erosion of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
• Linguistic Diversity: The disappearance of languages like Akkala Sami reduces the world’s linguistic diversity, which is crucial for understanding human cognition and cultural evolution.
• Preservation Efforts: The event underscores the importance of language preservation initiatives, including documentation, revitalization programs, and educational efforts to sustain endangered languages.

Aftermath

Following the extinction of Akkala Sami, there has been increased awareness and efforts to preserve other Sami languages and cultures. Organizations and governments have initiated programs to document and revitalize Sami languages, recognizing their value as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

The story of Akkala Sami serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of linguistic diversity and the need for concerted efforts to protect and promote endangered languages worldwide.