Katarina Barruk's Quest to Save Ume Sámi Language

In the remote Lusspie region of northern Sweden, a young musician is on a mission to preserve a critically endangered language. Katarina Barruk, a singer-songwriter from the Storuman municipality, is using her music to keep the Ume Sámi language alive. With fewer than 30 people speaking the language fluently, Barruk's efforts are crucial in ensuring the survival of this ancient tongue.

Umé Sámi, one of the many Sámi languages spoken by the indigenous Sámi people of Scandinavia, has been listed on UNESCO's red list of critically endangered languages. The language is spoken by the Sámi people, who have traditionally inhabited the northern parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia. However, as the Sámi population has assimilated into mainstream Scandinavian culture, the use of their native languages has declined significantly.

Barruk's music is a unique blend of traditional and modern styles, with lyrics written exclusively in Umé Sámi. Her songs often incorporate joiking, a traditional Sámi vocal style that is characterized by its emotive, chant-like quality. Joiking is an essential part of Sámi cultural heritage, and Barruk sees it as a vital component of her music.

"The joik is what we call a traditional knowledge carrier—it's one of our foundations," Barruk explains in an interview. "It's a way of expressing emotions and telling stories that can't be translated into other languages."

Barruk's decision to sing in Umé Sámi is not just a creative choice; it's also a deliberate attempt to preserve the language. By using Umé Sámi in her music, she hopes to raise awareness about the language's endangered status and inspire a new generation of speakers.

Growing up in the Lusspie region, Barruk was surrounded by the Sámi language and culture. Her parents and grandparents were all fluent speakers, and she learned the language from a young age. However, as she grew older, Barruk realized that the language was in decline.

"When I was a child, everyone in my family spoke Umé Sámi," she recalls. "But as I grew older, I noticed that fewer and fewer people were speaking the language. It was like it was disappearing before my eyes."

Barruk's music is not just a nostalgic tribute to her heritage; it's also a call to action. She hopes that her songs will inspire young Sámi people to learn their native language and preserve their cultural heritage.

"It's not just about preserving the language; it's about preserving our culture and our identity," she emphasizes. "If we lose our language, we risk losing our connection to our past and our traditions."

Barruk's efforts to preserve the Ume Sámi language have not gone unnoticed. Her music has gained international recognition, and she has performed at festivals and concerts around the world. However, she remains humble about her achievements, knowing that the real challenge lies ahead.

"The biggest challenge is getting people to care about the language," she admits. "It's not just about me or my music; it's about creating a movement to preserve the language and the culture."

As Barruk continues to create music and promote the Ume Sámi language, she remains optimistic about the future. She believes that by working together, the Sámi community can ensure the survival of their language and cultural heritage.

"We can make a difference," she says. "We can preserve our language and our culture, and pass it on to future generations."