A language border between Ume Sami and Southern Sami has been discussed this year, hence the screwed down signs. Like other areas in Sami territory, Lycksele must have signs, not only in Swedish but also in the language that was spoken here before the settlers arrived. The discussion about where the language border was between South and Umes Sami has been going on for a long time. When it was decided last year that the signs would be in Ume Sami, that decision was followed by an appeal from the Southern Sami side. Both languages have their special characteristics, both require great efforts to preserve and should on their history.
On the government’s table
The fact that the case has ended up on the government’s table means that Karin Gottfridsson is afraid that it will take even longer.
– I would like them to come up with something soon so that Lycksele does not have to be without signs, says Karin Gottfridsson, head of unit in Lycksele.
When SVT Sápmi asks the question to the department, the answer is that there are significantly older cases that are also waiting to be prepared.