Finnish Toddlers Lead Efforts to Save Endangered Sámi Language

Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

In the far north of Finland, a quiet revolution is taking place — led not by politicians or academics, but by toddlers. Across classrooms and daycare centres in Lapland, young children are playing a central role in preserving Inari Sámi, one of Finland’s most endangered indigenous languages.

With fewer than 400 fluent speakers remaining, Inari Sámi has faced decades of decline, as younger generations historically shifted to Finnish for school, work, and daily life. But recent initiatives aim to reverse that trend, starting with early childhood education. Language nests, bilingual preschools, and interactive play sessions immerse children in Inari Sámi from their very first words.

“Toddlers are the future of the language,” explains Sanna Kallio, a language teacher in Inari. “If children grow up speaking Sámi, using it naturally at home and at school, the language doesn’t just survive — it thrives.”

In these classrooms, children sing songs, read stories, and engage in playful activities entirely in Sámi. Teachers report remarkable enthusiasm, with toddlers picking up vocabulary and grammar intuitively. Play-based learning helps reinforce the language in a context that feels natural and joyful, rather than forced.

The movement is supported by both local communities and national policies aimed at preserving minority languages. Finnish authorities have recognized the cultural and historical significance of Sámi languages, funding educational programmes and resources to ensure that the youngest members of the community are exposed to their heritage from the outset.

Parents are also embracing the change. Many families have begun incorporating Sámi into daily routines at home, from mealtime conversations to bedtime stories. Anna-Maria Lehto, a mother of two, says: “Even though my parents didn’t speak Sámi, we want our children to connect with their roots. Seeing them respond to the language naturally is inspiring.”

Experts stress that early childhood exposure is crucial. Research indicates that children absorb languages most effectively in their formative years, developing pronunciation, fluency, and cultural understanding that is much harder to acquire later. By embedding Sámi into the daily lives of toddlers, educators hope to ensure continuity across generations.

The initiative is not without challenges. With limited teaching materials and few fluent instructors, resources are stretched thin. Yet the energy and curiosity of the children offer a powerful counterbalance, driving innovation in pedagogy and community engagement.

Beyond language preservation, the programme strengthens cultural identity, fostering pride and resilience within the Sámi community. Children learn not just words, but stories, songs, and traditions that connect them to centuries of heritage.

In a small classroom in Inari, a group of toddlers giggles as they act out a traditional Sámi tale about a fox and a reindeer, using puppets and props. For the children, it’s play. For the community, it’s survival.

“Language is living culture,” Kallio reflects. “And these toddlers are its guardians.”

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