Also, while we're talking about ourselves, which I do so well, without my knowledge of my languages, I would've lost out on some of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I have written radio shows, worked for magazines, been on TV, travelled extensively and met amazing people.
And all this while constantly feeling like I'm on a journey of healing myself. My languages are my home. I'm nothing without my languages. And sure, this love can be translated into a skill that can be used to earn money, but that is beyond the point.
I always tell my students to learn our language because it'll make them feel at home again and make them understand where they come from.
Knowing Saami won't stop them from learning another language, which many settlers seem to believe. (*learn Chinese, it's more useful!*)
Knowing Saami won't stop them from learning another language, which many settlers seem to believe. (*learn Chinese, it's more useful!*)
However, whenever someone who is not part of our community is nearby, I tell my students that knowing our languages will make them rich, because everyone's looking to hire speakers of Saami these days.
It never fails to upset these settlers who have spent their entire lives, convinced that our cultures and languages are useless.
My language has no monetary value per se, and I don't speak it to get rich but if it upsets a settler that I *can* earn money by speaking it, well ...
My language has no monetary value per se, and I don't speak it to get rich but if it upsets a settler that I *can* earn money by speaking it, well ...
