The national year of languages 2013
In 2013, Norway celebrated the national year of language diversity, and so did Riddu Riđđu through a special emphasis on Sami languages in the festival program. Did you know that there are ten Sami languages? In addition, different dialects are spoken within each language. The different Sami languages are spoken across national borders as illustrated by the language map.
In partnership with the Kåfjord Sami Language Center and Sámi Giellagáldu, Riddu Riđđu presents all of the Sami languages in a booklet during the festival. The language booklet is illustrated by the talented Sami artist Anders Sunna (Sápmi / Sweden), who was the festival’s Young Artist of the Year in 2009. Several artists from differing disciplines have been commissioned to create something new in their own languages. As inspiration for the project, the artists were given a handful words which had been selected in a Sami language conference in the spring of 2013. The up-and-coming artist Lovisa Negga (Sápmi / Sweden) has created a new song in the Lule Sami language, which will be premiered during her concert at Riddu Riđđu. Sarakka Gaup (Sápmi/ Norway) has created a monologue in the Northern Sami language, which will be performed in the seminars. Author and poet Sigbjørn Skåden (Sápmi/ Norway) will write and perform a new poem in the Northern Sami language, in his Skånland dialect. In addition, the writer and poet, Rawdna Carita Eira (Sápmi/ Norway) will write and perform a new poem in the Northern Sami language. Riddu Riđđu is very proud to present this Sami language diversity project! Thanks to all who have participated, especially the Norwegian Ministry of Government Administration, Reform and Church Affairs. The title on this booklet is inspired by the song Mihá Ja Gievrra by Lovisa Negga, where she sings: : Dån tsamáda tjavgga / You whisper loudly.
