Definition

Noun 1. A member of an indigenous nomadic people living in northern Scandinavia and herding reindeer: The Saami are the traditionally nomadic, reindeer-herding people inhabiting the Arctic area of Sápmi, which encompasses parts of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. 2. The language of the Saami people: This refers to the group of Uralic languages spoken by the Saami people. It is important to note that there are several distinct Saami languages, not a single one.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to a person):
  • The Saami have a rich cultural heritage based on reindeer herding and a deep connection to the land.
  • She is a Saami artist who incorporates traditional patterns into her work.
• Noun (referring to the language):
  • He is studying North Saami, the most widely spoken of the Saami languages.
  • Efforts are being made to revitalize the Saami language among younger generations.

Advanced Usage

• "Saami" vs. "Sami" and "Lapp": The term Saami (also commonly spelled Sami) is the name the people use for themselves and is preferred. The older term "Lapp" is now often considered outdated or derogatory and should generally be avoided.
• Concept of Sápmi: Saami is intrinsically linked to Sápmi, the name for the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Saami people, which does not correspond to modern national borders.

Variants and Related Words

• Sami: The most common alternative spelling for Saami.
• Sápmi: (Noun) The cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Saami people.
• Saami languages: (Noun Phrase) Refers to the specific group of related languages, such as North Saami, Lule Saami, and South Saami.

Synonyms

• Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia: This is a descriptive synonym for the people.
• Lapp (dated, potentially offensive): An older exonym for the Saami people and their language. Its use is discouraged.

Related Terms and Context

• Reindeer herding: (Noun Phrase) The traditional and central livelihood of many Saami.
• Yoik: (Noun) A traditional form of Saami song or chant, often personal or descriptive of nature.
• Gákti: (Noun) The traditional colorful clothing of the Saami people.

Noun

1. the language of nomadic Lapps in northern Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula
2. a member of an indigenous nomadic people living in northern Scandinavia and herding reindeer