_Of the Language of the_ Laplanders.
In the former Chapter we told you that the Language of the _Laplanders_
was such as did very much differ from that of their neighbours, our
next business shall be, as well as we can, to discover what it is.
Now whatsoever is received, used, commonly, and publikly spoken in
any Country, is certainly a Language, but of this of the _Laplanders_,
_Zieglerus_ in general observes only that it was peculiar to themselves,
and not understood by their neighbours. _Damianus_ speaks more plain,
and accuses them of barbarism and roughness of speech. Our modern
Writers say their speech is a confused miscellany of the Language of
their neighbours, and that it was called _Lingua Lapponica_, quasi
_corrasa_, _eet Lappatspraock_, and that it is made up of many other
Tongues, as of that of _Finlanders_ and _Swedes_, as for instance;
the _Laplanders_ say _stour_, the _Swedes_, _stoor_; the one _Salug_,
the other _saligh_. And that there are also some Latine words, as
_Porcus_, _Oriens_, &c. But tho these Writers suppose that they have
borrowed many words from their neighbours, yet they confess that much
of their Language is their own, and neither used, or known by any other
Naitons, but that as well the original of the words, as propriety of
the Phrases, is peculiar to themselves. Others suppose it took its
rise and was derived from _Finland_: and indeed it is confessed on all
hands that there are many words in both Languages that seem no great
strangers. So that there is little doubt but there are many words in
both Languages which very much agree, which any one that is a little
skilled in them must needs confess: and to make this more clear, I
shall here insert some words of both Languages not much unlike.
God Jubmar _or_ Immel Jumala
Fire Tolle Tuli
Day Paiwe Paiwa
Night Ii Yœ
A River Jocki _the same_
A Lake Jaur Jarwi
Ice Jenga Iææ
a Hill Warra Wuori
Wood Medz Medza
the Eye Silmæ _the same_
the Nose Niuna Nenæ
the Arm Ketawerth Kasiwersi
the Hand Kiætt Kæsi
the Foot Ialk Ialka
Cheese Iost Iuusto
Bootes _The Sappad _The Saapas
a Show Laplanders Kamath Finlanders Kamgett
a Shed call_ Kaote say_ Koto
an Arrow Niaola Nuoli
Warr Tziaod Sotæ
King Konnagas Cuningas
Father Atkia Ajæ
Mother Am Ama
Brother Wellje Weli
Wife Morswi Morsian
Dog Piednax Peinika
a Ferret Natæ Nætæ
a Squirrill Orre Orawa
a Bird Lodo Lindu
a Fish Qwælie Cala
a Salmon Losa Lobi
a wild Pine tree. Quaosa Cuusi.
These words I suppose may serve to declare the affinity that we said
was between the Language of the _Laplanders_ and _Finlanders_: and
because the words that I have set down, do not signify any forreign
commodities, but things natural, and such as are in use among all
People alike, I am given to beleive that the _Laplanders_ had not any
peculiar Language, which did wholy differ from that of _Finland_, but
that it took its original thence. For if, as some would have it, they
had any Language, they might properly call their own, why did they
not out of it, upon things of so common occurrence and ordinary use,
rather impose their own words, then such as no man could doubt were
taken from the _Finlanders_. No People certainly were ever guilty of
so much folly as to impose forreign names upon so common things, if
they had any Language of their own to express them in: as might be
at large demonstrated from the Languages of the _Germans_, ancient
_Gaules_, _Spaniards_, _Italians_, _Greeks_, &c. neither have we any
reason to count it a hard inference if we should from hence gather,
that the _Laplanders_ themselves sprung from the _Finlanders_. For
otherwise why should they have used any other Language then what they
received from their fore-Fathers. And this seems to be the argument
_Wexonius_ uses to prove the Language of the _Laplanders_ to have taken
its rise from the _Finlanders_, when from the original of the People he
infers the same of the Speech; for in this he intimates that to spring
from any Country, and to use the same Language, are very convertible
propositions. All which indeed seems to be no more then the truth.
But now some one may object that the opinion of those men that affirm
the Language of this Country to be primarily its own, could not be
destitute of all reason, and that they must necessarily have had some
probabilities whereon they grounded their opinion; and truly it cannot
be denied but that there are many words which do not any waies agree
with the Language of the _Finlanders_, as may appear from what follows,
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.