– It’s so sad that it has taken me two years, and I still don’t get the opportunity, says 24-year-old Kristine Jonas. For two years, she has tried to start and study Swedish at UiT Norway’s Arctic University, but has not been given the opportunity to do so. UiT is the only university in Norway that offers studies in Swedish, but there are only admissions every two years. However, last year, when Kristine was due to start her studies, the university chose to postpone admission by an extra year. She feels that her trust in UiT has weakened since she has now waited two years to start studying Swedish. – It is important for me to be able to study because the language has been lost in my family. Important to get the opportunity Kristine is originally from Alta, and moved to Tromsø just to study Swedish. The Kven language is one of Europe’s most threatened languages, and she therefore believes that it is important that more people learn the language. Kristine Jonas is the newly elected head of Kvenungdommen, who works to strengthen the Kven language among young people, among other things. Photo: Tomi Vaara / news – This is how Kven society gets life in the language and active language arenas that work. It is extremely important that we get more language users. The number of language users is uncertain, and according to the Directorate of Education, the estimate varies between 2,000 and 10,000. However, most of these are older, and therefore there is a great danger that the Kven language may die out. Kristina’s grandfather is one of those who still knows part of the language. However, he is not allowed to use it because he does not know other language users. – And that’s why it’s important that I can get the opportunity to take the language back so that we can use it together again. Kristine Jonas and her grandfather who can still speak a little Swedish. Photo: Private – Regrettable The reason why women’s studies only start every two years is the number of students. That’s what Kathrine Tveiterås, vice-rector of education at the university, says. – It is extremely important for UiT to have a good offer in Kven, but we feel that the number of students is very small. In order to have large enough student groups to be able to have a good learning environment, we have admissions every two years. Kathrine Tveiterås, vice-chancellor education at UiT Norway’s Arctic University. Photo: Press photo / UiT The number of students was also the reason why admission was not carried out in 2022. Although the last start of studies had been in 2020, the Kven study program did not receive enough applicants when Kristine applied for admission for the first time. – It is always incredibly boring when major changes affect individual students, and I also know that the department has apologized directly to the student concerned. She believes that postponing the start of studies in the longer term will lead to the university having a more robust offer in Kven. – This also gives more people the opportunity to learn this language, says the vice-chancellor. Believes there is no time to lose Kristine understands why the recording only starts every two years. She still believes that the number of students is a poor excuse for postponing the start of studies for another year. – The time we have is very precious. We need more language users. We need more people with linguistic competence. A single subject or introductory course can give an enormous amount to the Kven language community. Kristine Jonas is now studying Northern Sami at UiT Norway’s Arctic University. Photo: Tomi Vaara / news Kristine is now studying Northern Sami at UiT to build language skills. Although there are similarities between Northern Sami and Kven, the difference is so great that the annual study in Kven had helped her on her way. – I have invested a lot of time and energy during these two years, but I still don’t know Swedish. It’s sad and frustrating. Hello there! Hi sinule!Do you have any thoughts on this matter that you would like to share – or ideas for other stories we should tell? Feel free to send me an email! In Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish or English. Oonko sinula ajatuksii hänne artikkelin smbri – tahi oonko sinula tärkkee teema mişta met häytyisimmä ikliske? Lähätä minule e-postii! Kvääniksi, Suomeksi, Norjaksi or Englaniksi.
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Kristine wants to learn Swedish, but doesn’t get the opportunity to do so – news Kveeni
