The Saami languages and Finnish language legislation : a short historical overview

Abstract

Finland’s political, social and cultural conditions were transformed after its handover from Sweden to Russia in 1809. Emperor Alexander 1st strongly supported the majority language, Finnish, which had not previously enjoyed official status. The official language had long been Swedish, although some authorities did try from time to time to support the use of the vernacular, such as in elementary education and in the translation of some legislation. The 19th century was marked by increasing nationalism in Finland, with the country seeking to strengthen its autonomous status despite several clampdowns. As has often been observed, the Finnish nation, which can be characterised as an “imagined community” – a term coined by Benedict Anderson – emerged during that time. This emergence coincided with the development of the national literature, including the publication of the national epic, the Kalevala. As Anderson demonstrates, many incipient nations developed along with the growth of printed newspapers and literature, or as he designates it, “print-capitalism” (Anderson 1996: 30–32).