Part 11

The Sun Beiwe Auringa Heaven Albme Taiwas Water Kietze Wesi Rain Abbræ Sade Snow Mota Lumi a Man Ulmugd Ihminen Gent. Man Albma Mies Woman Nissum Waimo Hair _The Laplanders Waopt _The Finlanders_ Hiuxi the Mouth call_ Nialbme Suu the Chin Kaig Leuca the Heart Waibmi Sydaon the Flesh Ogge Liha a Wolf Seibik Susi a Bear Muriel Karhu a Fox. Riemnes Kettu.

And the Difference between these and the like words without doubt was that which gave occasion to some to think that anciently the _Laplanders_ had a Speech peculiar to themselves, and quite different from that of _Finland_, of which ancient Language these relicts did remain, and for this they give this reason; that the _Laplanders_ were forced to frame to themselves a new Language, for fear, least being understood by their neighbours the _Finlanders_, they should fall into their snares. So _Olaus Petri_ saies that often times they found spies about their tents in the night, hearkning after their Councels, now for this reason, according to the Policy of their Forefathers, flying into the allotment of _Rengo_, in the Province of _Nolnense_, they there agreed upon, and framed to themselves a Speech quite different from that of _Finland_. So that there are very few words found to agree in both Languages. Now by the Spies he there talks of, he understands the _Finlanders_, who being driven out of their Country by _Matthias Kurkius_ and the _Tavastians_, roved up and down, seeking where they might most conveniently settle, as may appear from what goes before in that place. Others think that these are the relicts of that Language which they first brought into _Lapland_, which they suppose to be no other but that of the _Tartars_. But how false this is, may appear from the vast difference between those Tongues, in which there is not one word that signifies the same thing in both Languages. And that you may not think I say this without any reason, I will give you a few instances.

God Allah Jubmel the Sun Gynesch Beiwe Heaven Gioech Alm Fire Atasch Tulla Air Jusger Biægga Water Sauf Tziatz a Lake Dannis Jauur Ice Büüs Jenga the Earth Ier _or_ toprak Ænnam a Hill Dagda Ware a Man Adam Aolmaitz Hair Sadsch Waopta the Eye Gios Tzialme the Nose _The Burnum _The Nierune a Beard Tartars Beichlar Laplanders_ Sæmao an Arm call_ Æhl Kiettawerdi a Hand Cholun Kietta a Foot Ajach Iwobge a Heart Jurek Waimao a Bow Jay Taugh an Arrow Och Niæla Father Babam Atziæ Mother Anasse Ænnæ Brother Cardasch Wiælæ Sister Kiscardasche Aobbe a Wolf Sirma Kurt a Bear Ajuf Kwoptza a Fish Balich Kwele.

And indeed there is as great incongruity in all the rest of the words as in these, so that this opinion is not only foolish, but ridiculous. And neither is the other, which pretends they framed a Language to themselves, grounded upon any greater truth then this former. For first why should they only have changed some words and not all? And then these words which do agree in both Languages are not the names of things less known, or not so ordinarily used, as other things, but of such as were as common as life, light, or breathing: wherefore I am clearly of the other opinion, and do beleive that these differing words are as much Finnonick as any of the rest. But they who from the difference of these words infer the independency of the Speeches, do not at all consider that, then which there is nothing more common and incident to Languages, _viz._ to be changed and altered according to the times, and so much the more by how much the People have greater commerce with other Nations. And this is plain from the example of the _Islanders_ and _Norwegians_; for that the _Islanders_ sprung from the _Norwegians_ is by the Histories of both Nations made so clear that no man can doubt of it. But now the _Islanders_ use many words which those of _Norway_ are quite ignorant of; and yet I hope no man will thence say that the _Islanders_ have a Language wholly independent and different from that of _Norway_: for the one living by themselves, and having little or no dealings with other People, do to this day keep entire the same Language which they first brought, and which they received down from their ancestors: but it was quite otherwise with the _Norwegians_, who together with their Empire lost also their ancient Language. The same seems to be the case of the _Finlanders_, who being brought under the Jurisdiction of others, and holding more frequent commerce with their neighbours, lost much of their ancient manner of speaking, which the _Laplanders_ on the contrary living a more solitary life, it is probable, do still keep uncorrupt. Wherefore it is no wonder if in their language we meet with many words, which compared with those of the modern _Finlanders_, seem to have nothing of likeness; tho happily one that is well skilled in the dialect and propriety of the Finnonick Language, will find enough to make him conjecture that there are many words which, as they are now used seem quite different, yet are very agreeable in the original. And this is likewise the common fate of other languages, as for example of the _German_, in which a little too rashly the learned _Olaus Wormius_ in his _literatura Runica_, as he calls it, Cap. 27, hath taken notice of so great a difference. For in these daies not only _nach_, but _effter_ is used, as may appear _affterred_, _afterdam_ &c. And so likewise the _Germans_ use not only _Gesicht_, but also _Antlitz_; not only _Verstand_, but _Vernunfft_; and as well _essen_, _anfangen_, _Schuss_, _Alter_, _Gefængnus_, _auffthun_, _Bett_, _Dopff_, &c. as, _As_, _beginnen_, _keimen_, _uralt_, _haffte_, _entdecken_, _Lægerstad_, _locken_, in all which they agree with the ancient _Germans_. In my opinion therefore the difference of a few words, is not authority enough to prove that the _Laplanders_ in ancient times had a peculiar language. But it shews rather that they are not all of the same antiquity, but that some came from _Finland_ longer ago, who brought those obsolete words with them, and some of later daies, who now use the new; and this I think to be the best account of the Language of the _Laplanders_. Of which this also is observable, that it doth not in all places alike agree with it self, but hath its several different Dialects, and is so various, that those that live in one part of the Country, can scarce understand those of the other. There are especially three Dialects, the first used by the _Umenses_ and _Pithenses_ in the West, the 2^d by the _Luhlenses_ in the North, the last by the _Tornenses_ and _Kimenses_ in the East. And the variety of these Dialects was doubtless caused by the difference of times in which they came into _Lapland_; some coming sooner, some later, some settling in one part, some in another. Now of all these Dialect, there is none more rough or unplesant then that of the _Luhlenses_, who as well in their life and manners, as in their way of speaking, are far the most rustick and clownish of all the _Laplanders_. But that you may see what a disparity there is between these Dialects, I will set down a few example: the _Pithenses_ say _Jubmel_, the _Tornenses_, _Immel_, the _Pithenses_ say _Jocki_, _Warra_, _Olbmo_, _nisw_, _skaigki_, _kiist_, _nissu_, _pardei_, _seibig_, _muriet_, _reppi_; for which the _Tornenses_ put, _virte_, _taodar_, _almai_, _kab_, _kawtza_, _raopka_, _kaap_, _alik_, _owre_, _kops_, _riemnes_. Now as the Language of the _Laplanders_ is varied according to the diversity of the Territories and Marches, just as it is in other Nations, particularly in _Germany_, where the _Swavelanders_, _Saxons_, and _Belgians_, speak all different tongues, so hath it this also common with other Countries, _viz._ that the nigher the Territory tends to any other People, so much the more do the Inhabitants participate of their Language; and so the _Tornenses_ and _Kimenses_, who border upon the _Finlanders_, do at this day use very much of their speech: nay they go yet farther, and make it their business to learn the Language of their Neighbours, so the _Tornenses_ and _Kimenses_ get the _Finnonik_, the _Luhlenses_, _Pithenses_, and especially the _Umenses_ the Swedish Language, and that man that is skilled in these Tongues hath not little conceit of himself, and is indeed much esteemed among his neighbours. It is therefore no wonder if there be many Swedish words, found among the _Laplanders_: for it could not otherwise happen but that this People, who were supplied by others in many things which they had not themselves, should with Forreign commodities receive also and use Forreign names; and of this I could give many instances, but it is not the business in hand. Now of this kind we ought to esteem these words following; in _Lapland_, _Salug_ signifies _blessed_, which the _Swedes_ call _Saligh_: _Niip_ a knife, the _Swedes_ call it _kniif_; _Fiælo_, a rafter with the _Swedes_ _tilio_, and many more of the like nature. Of all which the R. and learned _Johan. Tornæus_ gives this account, that the use of Forreign words was introduced partly by necessity, and partly by conversing with Strangers; and upon this account it is that they that converse with the _Swedes_ do oftentimes use Swedish words. The like may be said of those that deal with the _Finlanders_, and with the _Germans_ in _Norway_, and this is the reason why one and the same thing is often called by divers appellations, as for example, the _Swedes_ call a Horse _Hæst_, the _Finlanders_, _Hapoitz_, the _Germans_, _Ross_, which also is the name the _Laplanders_ give the beast, for they having no Horses of their own were forced to borrow a name from the Country from whence they had them. Now what _Tornæus_ observes concerning the word _Ross_, I beleive may be applyed also to the word _Porcus_, which I suppose they had rather from the _Germans_ then _Latines_, for the _Germans_ call a Barrow-Hog, _Bork_, now their Swine they had all out of _Norway_, and it is very probable they did thence borrow that appellation also. And not to trouble our selves any farther, this will hold true in all the rest of that kind. Wherefore setting apart other considerations, and looking upon this Language, not as it contains in it forreign words, but only such as they alwaies used within themselves, and were ever received among them, it remains that we conclude it to be not a miscellany or collection of Latin, German, Swedish scraps, and the like, neither as a peculiar speech, different from them altogether, but such as originally took its rise from the _Finlanders_, tho time hath brought it to pass that perhaps few of them understand it.

This Tongue, as well as others, hath its Declensions, Comparisons, Conjugations, Moods, Tenses, _&c._ and perhaps it may not be amiss if I should here insert some examples: I will therefore first decline you a Laplandish Noun, and afterwards give you the Finnonick Declension of the same, that by comparing both you may better understand the parity and disparity of these Languages. This Noun shall be _Immel_, for so the _Tornenses_ call it, tho other say _Jubmel_, the _Finlanders_ terms it _Jumala_, and it signifies _God_.

Lappon. | Finlappon. | _Singul._ _Plural._ | _Singul._ _Plural._ _N._ Immel. _N._ Immeleck. | _N._ Jumala. _N._ Jumalat. _G._ Immele. _G._ Immeliig. | _G._ Jumalan. _G._ Jumalden. _D._ Immela. _D._ Immewoth. | _D._ Jumalalle. _D._ Jumalille. _A._ Immel. _A._ Immeliidh. | _A._ Jumalaa. _A._ Jumalat. _V._ ô Immel. _V._ ô Immæleck. | _V._ Jumala. _V._ ô Jumalat. _A._ Immelist. _A._ Immæliie. | _A._ Jumalasta. _A._ Jumalilda.

I will add one more Noun, that the case may be more clear, and that shall be _Olmai_, which signifies a man.

_Singul._ _Plural._ _N._ Olmai. _N._ Olmack. _G._ Olma. _G._ Olmaig. _D._ Olmas. _D._ Olmaid. _A._ Olma. _A._ Olmaig. _V._ ô Olmai. _V._ ô Olmack. _A._ Olmast. _A._ Olmaija.

And after this manner it is in all the rest.

Adjectives have their terminations in comparison, as

_Stoure_, great, _stourapo_, greater, _stouramus_, greatest. _Enach_, much, _enapo_, more, _enamus_, most. _Utze_, little, _utzapo_, less, _utzamus_, least.

The comparative for the most part ends in _po_, the Superlative in _mus_. They have also their Articles, but seldom use them before Nouns, as it also in other Tongues.

In the Masc. and the Fem. Gender the Article hath the same termination, but differs in the Neuter; for _tott_ signifies _hic & hæc_, _towt_, _hoc_.

Their Pronouns are _mun_, I, _tun_, thou, _sun_, he, _mii_, we, _sii_, you, _tack_, they. The Verbs also are conjugated in their Tenses, and Persons, as in the Indicative mood thus, Sing. _Mun pworastan_ I love, _tum pworastack_ thou lovest, _sun pworasta_. Plur. _Mii pworastop_ we love, _sii pworost_ you love, _tack pwrost_. And after this manner do they decline their other Verbs.

Sing. _mun læm_ I am, _tun læck_, thou art, _suu lia_ he is. Plur. _mii læp_ we are, _sii læ_ you are, _tack læ_ they are.

These will serve to give us some light into the nature of this Language, at least as much as is to our purpose, who did not undertake to write a Grammar, but only give some small description.

Now the _Laplanders_ have a peculiar way of pronouncing words, according to which it is impossible to express them in letters, for they do mouth out all their words, so that the vowels might be heard loud enough, but the other letters come very softly out; they do also quite cut off and drown the last syllables, especially of Nouns. Letters they neither have, nor ever had any, and in this they agree with their ancestors the _Finlander_: the Calendar which they use, is no other but the Swedish in _Runick_ letters. And this also, before they came to have commerce with the _Swedes_, and had learned of them the observation of Holy-daies, was never in use among them. _Johannes Buræus_ tells us that he heard from persons of good credit, of certain grave-stones and monuments, which had sometimes bin found in _Lapland_ (more whereof perhaps might be found) on which were engraved _Runick_ Characters. But suppose we this true, it is not, I hope, therefore necessary that we should conclude that these were formerly the letters of the _Laplanders_, to which indeed, as well themselves as their forefathers the _Finlanders_ are equally Strangers. But we have more reason to think that the _Swedes_ coming thither in ancient times, either by force of arms, or otherwise, inhabited there abouts, and left those stones. To this day both the _Laplander_ and _Finlander_ use the Latine letters; in the same Character the _Swedes_ and _Germans_ make them, altho the number of them that can read among them is but very small, and of them that can write, a great deal less, and are only such as they call great Scholars.

Now this Speech being only used among the _Laplanders_, and there being none that desire to learn it but themselves, in all negotiations with others, they are forced to use the help of Interpreters, of whom upon this account there are great numbers, as I have formerly said: tho these Interpreters speak all Languages, but the _Finnonick_, very barbarously, which is also the fault of all _Laplanders_, who are very hardly brought to learn or pronounce any other Tongue, and much given to confound one with another. So that they which traffic in _Norway_, and border upon that Country, do in their speaking mingle together the Speech of the _Norwegians_ and _Swedes_, as for instance, _jeghkiæmi_, for _jag kom_, _jag gaong_, for _jag goar_. So for _hustro_, they say _koona_, for _min myssa_, _mitt hofwud_, &c. But of the Language of the _Laplanders_ let this suffice.

CHAP. XVI.

_Of the Houses of the_ Laplanders.

Hitherto we have treated of the _Laplander_ as he hath relation to the Common-wealth, we shall in the next place speak of him as a private person. And this we shall do first, considering the things they have need of. Secondly, their imployments. And thirdly their leasure and pastimes. All necessary accommodations are either such as are to defend us from ill inconveniences, or to give us necessaries. Of the first sort, are Houses and Cloathes, of the 2^d, Meat and Drink. We shall begin with their houses, or places of aboad. The _Laplanders_ have not any houses like other Northern People, it having bin their custom to wander up and down, and so, sometimes in one place and sometimes in another, to set up small sheds for their present use: so that they had no certain habitations, but having eaten and consumed the fish and beasts in one place, they march to another, carrying their sheds or tents with them.

But this liberty of wandring up and down the Country, was in a special Edict forbid them by _Charles_ the ninth, in the year 1602, and a certain place of habitation assigned to every family. The words of the Edict are to this purpose: “We do in the first place command that in every _Lapmark_ an account be taken of all Fenns, Rivers, Lakes, _&c._ and who they are that have hitherto had the benefit and use of them, with the names of all such: and then that the number of the families be compared with that of the Rivers, _&c._ and so equally divided that one family shall not possess more Rivers and Fenns then are for its use. Lastly every _Lapmark_ being thus divided, it shall be committed to honest and good men, who, without either favor or prejudice, shall assign to every family its just portion: and thenceforth it shall not be lawfull for any _Laplander_, at his plesure to wander up and down all marches, as hath formerly bin used.” From the time of this Edict the _Laplanders_ had their certain bounds and limits assigned them sufficient for the sustaining of their families. Neither was it afterward lawfull for any one to invade the propriety of another, or to wander where he pleased.