New Psychology Study Findings Reported from University of Konstanz (Can policies improve language vitality? The Sami languages in Sweden and Norway).

This article focuses on a study examining the effects of national language policies on the use and competence of the Indigenous Sami languages in Norway and Sweden. Researchers from the University of Konstanz conducted a cross-country comparison of educational, linguistic, and budgetary policies, alongside a survey of 5,416 Sami and non-Sami participants, revealing a significant decline in Sami language use over three generations. The study found that only a small percentage of Sami individuals are highly fluent and actively use the language with their children, with higher proficiency and use observed in Norway, likely due to more supportive policies. The research highlights the need for further efforts to increase Sami language speakers, including among the majority populations in both countries.