SÁMI-CAT develops aphasia tests in North Sámi to improve healthcare services and promote linguistic equality
Being able to communicate in your own language is a fundamental right and essential for participation in society. In Norway, approximately 4-5,000 people acquire aphasia each year – a language difficulty often caused by brain injury or illness. Aphasia makes it difficult to understand and express language, affecting everyday communication and quality of life. Stroke is the most common cause, and the risk is known to be higher in the Sámi population.
When language breaks down, people may experience anxiety, depression, and reduced participation. Early, tailored speech and language therapy is essential - but it requires accurate assessment tools.
For Sámi speakers, no aphasia tests exist. This increases the risk of misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and health inequalities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has shown that many Sámi feel healthcare does not meet their cultural and linguistic needs, despite legal rights to use Sámi in health services.
SÁMI-CAT is the first project to develop aphasia assessment tools for speakers of North Sámi. The goal is to ensure equal rights to communication and rehabilitation by creating Sámi-language tests and strengthening knowledge about aphasia in Sámi communities.
The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway 01.01.26-31.12.31 (project number 358097).
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