Ter Sámi

Ter Sámi is the easternmost of the Sámi languages, and is critically endangered. It is spoken on the Kola Peninsula in Russia, specifically in the eastern part of the peninsula.

Language Status: Ter Sámi is considered nearly extinct. As of the early 21st century, the number of native speakers is estimated to be in the single digits, primarily elderly individuals. Younger generations have largely shifted to speaking Russian.

Linguistic Features: Ter Sámi shares features with other Sámi languages, particularly Kildin Sámi, but also possesses unique characteristics due to its geographic isolation and contact with other languages. It is a Uralic language, belonging to the Sámic subgroup. Like other Sámi languages, it is agglutinative, meaning that words are formed by stringing together multiple morphemes, each carrying a specific grammatical meaning. Ter Sámi is characterised by a complex system of vowel and consonant gradation.

Writing System: A standardized writing system for Ter Sámi was developed in the 1930s using the Latin alphabet, but its use was discontinued. Later attempts were made to revive the language and create a writing system based on the Cyrillic alphabet.

Efforts at Revitalization: Due to the extremely low number of speakers, revitalization efforts face significant challenges. However, some initiatives are underway to document the language, teach it to younger generations, and promote its use in limited contexts, such as cultural events. These efforts are crucial to preserving this important part of Sámi cultural heritage.

Geographic Distribution: The traditional territory of Ter Sámi speakers is located along the eastern coast of the Kola Peninsula, primarily in the area around the Ter coast. Settlements such as Krasnoshchelye and Yokanga were formerly important centers for Ter Sámi speakers.