Vuokkiniemi applies for the status of the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2017

The village of Vuokkiniemi takes part in the international Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture 2017 competition. It participated previously in 2015 and was selected among three finalists. This year, the theme of participation is the Karelian language and culture.

The participation relies on the local activity of the inhabitants to enhance the position of the Karelian language in the area.  It focuses on increasing the co-operation between various organizations supporting Finno-Ugric culture. In addition, the project strives to increase the regional tourism to support the local economy. The project also aims to increase public awareness of the need to support the use of Karelian language in the region.

Approximately 600 full time residents live in Vuokkiniemi and  85 % of the population  are of Karelian origin. Vuokkiniemi is one of the key villages in the area where the traditional Karelian language is still spoken. Problematically, most of the young people are not familiar with the Karelian language, because its teaching in the schools is minimal. In Vuokkiniemi schools, the Karelian language is only taught for two hours per week in the lower classes.  Only 2-hour weekly teaching is available in Vuokkiniemi village house for adults. This is a serious threat to the Karelian language in the area. Moreover the lack of competent teachers of Karelian language needs remediation. These problems expand to the whole Viena Karelian region and the results of the project will benefit the whole area.

Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture –competition is organized by the Youth Association of Finno-Ugric Peoples (MAFUN).  The winner is announced on 5. August 2016 in Helsinki

Vuokkiniemi Society, Karelian Cultural Society and Department of Museums and Culture, the City of Kostamus strongly support the application. Karelian Cultural society considers the application as particularly important in the advancement of Karelian culture and language.

Lisätietoja, more information Sari Heimonen sari.heimonen@gmail.com

Home page of the competition:  http://www.uralic.org/

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ВОЙДИТЕ, ЧТОБЫ ОСТАВЛЯТЬ КОММЕНТАРИИ