OHCHR | Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Kven

Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Kven

SOURCE

National Centre for Kven Language and Culture

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Kven
Language Profile

TOTAL SPEAKERS

​2000 – 5000 (includes first and second language users).

USAGE BY COUNTRY (OFFICIAL LANGUAGE)

​Norway

BACKGROUND

​Kven language is a Finnic language that is closely related to Meänkieli and Finnish, and therefore these three languages are mutually intelligible for most of their speakers. Kven language was recognized as an independent language in Norway in April 2005. Kven have been traditionally spoken in Northern Norway. However, Kven is an endangered Finnic language today, spoken only by the oldest generations in few Kven villages. Kven language is under the active revitalization process nowadays, and many Kven people are learning it through written texts, language instruction, language nests, music and theater.