ÁLGU – Origins of Saami words

Sámegielaid sániid álgovuolgga

Álgu is a special research project devoted to the study of Saami vocabulary and etymology. It will cover all Saami languages as extensively as possible insofar as relevant research material is available.

The project has two key goals: the compilation of a database and an accompanying etymological dictionary of North Saami. The material will be compiled in Finnish. Whether the dictionary is published in electronic or print format will depend on the most expedient available technology.

The database will contain an etymological lexicon of Saami languages complete with detailed source citations. The database will be open to the public in November 2006 and will be updated regularly.

A team of three specialists is working full-time on the project: Klaas Ruppel (database compiler), Kirsti Aapala and Eino Koponen.

Partners

Álgu is a joint research project coordinated by the Research Institute for the Languages of Finland. Its partners in this project are the University of Helsinki (Department of Finno-Ugric Studies) and the University of Oulu (Giellagas Institute). Professor Pekka Sammallahti will join the team at a later date as editor of the dictionary.

The Helsinki University’s Department of Finno-Ugric Studies completed the Encyclopaedia of Saami Culture project in 2005. The members of the Álgu research team took part in this EU-funded project by contributing etymological articles.

The Álgu team will to strive to engage in cooperation with various other partners.