LINCOSY

The project is led by Professor Pigga Keskitalo. Erika Sarivaara is a Senior Researcher, PhD Inker-Anni Linkola-Aikio, PhD Berit-Ellen Juuso and Marianne Silén is a University Lecturer. This research concentrates on Sami language teaching in primary schools in Nordic countries, focusing on the education of Sami languages with an emphasis on co-creating innovative teaching for Sami youth. 

The Sami people are recognized as Indigenous Peoples in the national constitutions of the Nordic countries, and a number of laws support their way of life, culture, and languages. In addition, Indigenous rights development creates a basis for Indigenous language education in schools.

This research will chart the current situation of the endangered Sami languages in primary education in Nordic countries using the practice of co-creation and explore how linguistically responsive teaching should be applied to nurture the educational success of youth studying Sami. Drawing on vast publications, documents and indigenous ethnography, we will map out existing practices and lay the groundwork for innovations for indigenous language-based education.

We will visit educational institutions, conduct interviews and collaborate with stakeholders who participate in practical educational measures. Through collaborative workshops, solutions and innovations will be created and tested. Our research will contribute to the existing literature by shedding new light on the practice of endangered language education and suggesting new. Innovative teaching methods.

University of Lapland research portal >

Professor Pigga Keskitalo presents the LINCOSY research project and its objektives. The study examines Sámi language teaching and develops language-aware teaching methods in primary schools in the Nordic countries. The LINCOSY project will be carried out from 2023 to 2027 and is funded by the Research Council of Finland. The ethical pre-assessment of the research has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Lapland and the Swedish Ethical Review Authority. 

The data protection of the participants is ensured. Postdoctoral Researcher Inker-Anni Linkola-Aikio explains the implementation of the project. Research material is collected through interviews, observations, and questionnaires. The study includes an innovation, where teaching methods are tested and developed in collaboration with teachers. The film is produced by Ville-Riiko Fotonoff.