Culture Sketch
Throughout history, many small-numbered nations were colonized and assimilated by their more advanced neighbors. Such is the case with the Saami nation inhabiting northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia (Myrdene & Beach, 1992). In 1982, according to Merdene and Beach (1992), their population consisted of approximately 70,000 individuals, with the greatest number in Norway (Myrdene & Beach, 1992). Partly, Saami people are nomadic and move their settlements seasonally, depending on local resource utilization. The Saami language belongs to the Western Division of the Finno-Ugric (Uralic family). Saami used to strongly believe in shamanism, the spiritual world, and underworld people.
Threat to Cultural Survival
The main threat to Saami’s cultural survival can be classified as “Colonization and Genocide,” thankfully emphasizing the former. Since the early 19th century, communication and trade with other nations have constantly been increasing (Myrdene & Beach, 1992). As a result, nowadays, one-third of the population speaks the language of the nation dominant in the region. The situation with religion is much worse from the perspective of cultural preservation. The local churches put effort into suppressing shamanism and almost eradicated it; thus, nominally, Saami follow the religions of the dominant society (Myrdene & Beach, 1992). Last but not least is the threat of dispersion – in recent years, Saami are migrating to larger towns and cities; in most of them, Saami tend to be a minority compared to the dominant culture. Additionally, life in cities does not require various activities typical to nomads.
Cultural Survival
Generally speaking, the main change that occurred in Saami society can be described by the word “globalization.” Despite the majority of Saami understanding the importance of honoring the lineage and traditions, various things in their lives are being displaced by the global equivalents, such as language, religion, or settling preferences. The displacement does not occur by force (excluding religion) – often times the equivalents are much more comfortable and have a broader implication spectrum in society than the traditional values. Consequently, cultural survival becomes part of a dilemma of whether globalization is good or bad, and only the time will show what choice Saami will make to survive.
References
Myrdene, A. & Beach., H. (1992). Saami. In L. A. Bennett (Ed)., Encyclopedia of World Cultures, Volume IV, Europe (pp. 220-223). G.K. Hall & Company.