Language, Citizenship, and Sami Education in the Nordic North, 1900-1940

In the creation of the modern Nordic states, elementary education played a crucial role in establishing a sense of citizenship that was universal and equal for all citizens. However, these policies often ignored the language, culture, wishes, and needs of minorities, such as the indigenous Sámi. Otso Kortekangas' book explores how educational policies affected the Sámi people in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, highlighting the lack of Sámi language in schools, the efforts of Sámi teachers to promote their mother tongue, and the historical comparison to other indigenous and minority populations. It is a valuable resource for educators, policy-makers, academics, and anyone interested in the history of education and the relationship between government policies and indigenous peoples.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2021
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

In the creation of the modern Nordic states in the first half of the twentieth century, elementary education played a pivotal role in establishing a universal and equitable concept of citizenship for all citizens. However, these educational policies often overlooked the unique language, culture, wishes, and needs of minority groups, such as the indigenous Sámi.

Otso Kortekangas delves into the intricate relationship between educational policies and the Sámi people in the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Through a comprehensive examination, Kortekangas explores the reasons behind the absence of Sámi language in schools, the efforts made by Sámi teachers to promote the use of their mother tongue within the educational system, and the historical context of the Sámi compared to other indigenous and minority populations worldwide.

This timely and ambitious book offers valuable insights for educators, policymakers, academics, and anyone with an interest in the history of education and the interplay between large-scale government policies and indigenous peoples. It sheds light on the challenges faced by minority groups and provides valuable lessons for promoting inclusivity and diversity in educational settings.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228005698