Language: A Challenging Resource in a Museum of Sámi Culture

Abstract

Choices made around using language in museums can either reinforce or challenge existing common sense language regimes and cultural hegemonies. The issues around linguistic choices are particularly pronounced for a museum of indigenous culture in a multilingual minority language community. Using the case of the Siida, the National Museum of the Finnish Sámi, located in Inari, in Finnish Sámiland, we explore some of the issues involved in using language in the museum. Based on a linguistic landscape analysis, we identify three main functions of language in the museum: managing and controlling visitors; narrating and explaining content and being displayed as content/exhibit. We discuss these functions in the context of the Siida Museum and also explore the associated challenges and opportunities. Our analysis shows how the language choices made by museums in relation to all three functions can present an opportunity to challenge existing language hegemonies and inequalities.