The role of Skolt Saami religious texts in language development and revitalization

Abstract

The focus of this article is the role of translations of religious literature into Skolt Saami in the development of the Skolt Saami written language and in the process of language revitalization. The Orthodox Church has had a strong influence on the life of Skolt Saami people, however, the interaction between language and religion and its significance is usually overlooked in the research context. Firstly, this article describes the historical development of the Skolt Saami language with a focus on the religious domain from the Christianization of the Skolt Saami up until the present, also giving an overview of the existing religious literature translated into Skolt Saami. Secondly, the article discusses the importance of these texts in the broader context of the development of the Skolt Saami language and the modern process of language revitalization, examining the significance of Skolt Saami religious literature in relation to language documentation, language standardization, language attitudes, and language prestige. I will argue that the Skolt Saami religious texts have had a very crucial role in the development of Skolt Saami written form and also in the process of language revitalization, a role exceeding the boundaries of religion. The article points out that these texts have ultimately positively influenced the vitality of the language and have strengthened its position both inside and outside of the Skolt Saami language community.