Tornedalen culture gives voice to the silenced

How do you regain pride in a language and a culture that has long been silenced? In Tornedalen, they have reclaimed some of what was lost in the Swedishization process.

- When you bring something to life on stage, as the theater did for the first time in 1986, it somehow becomes real. It's worth something. It builds self-esteem, says Erling Fredriksson, director of Tornedalsteatern.

While the language is associated with pain and oppression for many older people, a new generation is now emerging that is actively working to strengthen Meänkieli for the future.

"I am proud that I can speak Meänkieli and that I can teach it to others. It is a treasure," says Linnea Huhta, who has published several children's books in the language.

Since meänkieli was in principle forbidden, today you can take part in theater in meänkieli, literature in meänkieli, children's programs in meänkieli. Language is used to build identity.

- I think we benefit from a general longing for roots, to find what is special about oneself, says Erling Fredriksson.

Episode 5: Tornedalen culture gives voice to the silenced

Episode 5: Tornedalen culture gives voice to the silenced (Spotify)