HOW TO MEET AND MINGLE WITH THE SAMIS

In order to give you av true experience in how the samis are there are some general principles it pays off to follow:


Samis might be very straight forward and tell you precicely what they mean at any time.
This is a necessity in order to make you a better survivor in the arctic.

The better is trying to open up for a new experience rather than expecting to meet your OWN culture, way of communicate and to interact. The guide will of course be polite and will be doing the best to make you feel comfortable. The way of communicating might however be misunderstood as short and direct although this is not meant to be rude.

Sami language is a language based upon exact topics, upon stories which not always are possible to translate. It is not possible to use english language to write a "guidebook": The culture must be experienced. The elements must be felt.

The sami way of being in the nature is silent: You teach it through learning by doing. It is not tradition to talk or make noice: This will frighten the natures animals. When a newcomer enters the nature he or she should do as their mentors and ask for advice at any time.

It is regarded as stupidness not to express your needs: If you are hungry, cold or if you are uncomfortable in any way. In the wilderness it is crucial to survive and it is misunderstood politeliness if you do not express such needs. Experience has shown that trying to be "polite" about this gives the worst blisters, frostbite, hypothermia, mosquitobites cuts and wounds or even burns. The sami guides are trained to avoid such happenings and have cures and means to avoid some of what mentioned above. It is crucial that you let the sami help you when needed. He or she is dependent upon your ability to tell the true story about how you really are.

How to say it in sami:

Common phrases Thank You: Wellcome: Quickly: Where: What: What did you say: Yes: No: Excuse me: The check: Good Bye: Maybe: It is all right: I do not understand you: I speek only little... How much does it cost: Help me: I would like to : Do you have : What does it cost: Greetings Good Morning: Good day: Good evening: Good night: Hi: My name is... What is your name How are you Just fine thank you! And you? Good bye (see you) Goodbye See you tomorrow Information To the left: To the right: Accidents Doctor/physician Be careful : It was my fault: It was your fault: Wine and dine Place to eat: Spoon: Fork: Knife: Cheers:

Giitu Bures boahtin Doama Gos Maid Maid dadjet Juo A-a / Ii Andagassi Aigun maksit Eale dearvan Varra Dat lea ortnegis / (Dat lea kreitta) In adde maid dadjat Mun halan dusse veaha Man ollu maksa Veahket mu Dan mun gal livccen halidan Lea go dus Man ollu dat maksa Buorre idit Buorre beaivi Buorre eahket Buorre idja Bures Mu namma lea... Mii du namma lea Mo duinna manna Bures giitu! And you? Oaidnaleapmai Baze dearvan Oaidnaletne ihttin Gurut guvlui Olges guvlui Doavttir Varut Lei mu sivva Lei du sivva Borranbaikki Bastte Gaffal Niibi Maistte

Read more about samis: Sami Parliament informs