If you’re interested in learning Sami (also spelled Sámi or Saami), there are some online Sami course options available.
Not many, but there are some.
This is a language (or group of languages to be more precise) up in the northern parts of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Finland).
Most resources teach Northern Sami.
Today I’ll give you my list of the best online Sami courses to date.
Below you’ll find pros and cons for each Sami course, pricing, and a summary.
Where applicable, I’ll link to a review of the course.
Table of contents
IMPORTANT: Some of the items listed below are probably only loosely defined as “courses” for Sami.
The reason I’ve included them is that they’re popular enough Sami tools and therefore should be included.
DISCLAIMER: The comments below are personal opinions and some affiliate links are used.
The best Sami courses online (most popular Sami resources)
1. Talk In Sami
Cost: $97 (one-time purchase)
Summary: Talk In Sami is absolutely essential and without doubt, the best online course for learning Sami (Northern). It has hundreds of audio lessons designed to take you from zero knowledge through to a B1 equivalent competency.
This is a linear course that’ll walk you through every aspect of the language in an easy-to-understand format.
What I like:
- Very comprehensive, detailed course that covers all aspects of Sami
- Inexpensive and no subscriptions necessary
What I don’t like:
- Linear course may not be for everyone
Use the code MEZZOGUILD20 to save 20% on their Sami course.
2. Oahpa!
Cost: Free
Summary: OAHPA! is an interactive suite of language learning programs created by UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
It focuses heavily on North Sami grammar, vocabulary generation, and numeral practice through targeted, customizable drills.
What I like:
- Developed by university linguists
- Excellent grammar and conjugation drills
- Completely free to use
What I don’t like:
- Steep learning curve for absolute beginners
- User interface is extremely outdated and annoying to navigate
3. uTalk
Cost: Subscription model or one-time in-app purchase
Summary: uTalk offers a comprehensive vocabulary builder specifically for Southern Sami, utilizing native speaker audio and gamified memory tests.
The platform focuses on practical, real-world phrases and building speaking confidence rather than formal grammar rules.
What I like:
- Features native speaker audio
- Available on both mobile and desktop
- Allows for offline access
What I don’t like:
- Focuses specifically on Southern Sami
- Primarily a vocabulary builder with no grammar explanations
4. Memrise
Cost: Free basic version, Premium subscription available
Summary: Memrise hosts several user-generated community courses for learning North, South, and Lule Sami vocabulary.
The platform utilizes a highly effective spaced-repetition flashcard system to help learners memorize words and short phrases over time.
What I like:
- Effective spaced repetition system
- Accessible mobile app
- Variety of dialects available
What I don’t like:
- Course quality varies heavily between creators
- Lacks formal grammar instruction and speaking practice
5. e-skuvla
Cost: One-time course tuition fee
Summary: e-skuvla offers formal, structured online courses for North Sami, ranging from absolute beginner to advanced levels.
Supported by interactive assignments and actual teacher feedback, it’s designed for students seeking a rigorous academic or professional command of the language.
What I like:
- Formal, structured curriculum
- Access to feedback from real teachers
- Grants formal educational qualifications in Norway
What I don’t like:
- Expensive compared to self-study apps
- Instruction primarily relies on knowing Norwegian
6. IndyLan
Cost: Free
Summary: IndyLan is a mobile educational app designed to teach endangered and indigenous languages of Europe, including Northern Sami.
It uses gamified exercises to teach vocabulary and basic phrases while emphasizing the cultural heritage of the language.
What I like:
- Specifically built to preserve endangered indigenous European languages
- Includes valuable cultural notes
What I don’t like:
- Somewhat limited vocabulary scope
- App performance can occasionally be buggy
- Appears to be Android only
7. Digital Dialects
Cost: Free
Summary: Digital Dialects provides free, simplified online games for practicing basic Northern Sami vocabulary.
It’s a very casual starting point for learning numbers, colors, and everyday words through quick interactive quizzes.
What I like:
- Useful for getting your toes wet
- Free to use
What I don’t like:
- Ancient interface
- Very limited scope of vocabulary and won’t get you far
8. Sámásta (UR Skola)
Cost: Free
Summary: Produced by the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company, Sámásta is a beginner-friendly multimedia course for Northern Sami.
It utilizes radio and television episodes combined with text materials to immerse learners in everyday communicative situations.
What I like:
- High-quality audio and video production
- Great for situational and immersive learning
- Free access
What I don’t like:
- Geared specifically toward Swedish speakers
- Site navigation is confusing
9. Say it in Saami (Yle)
Cost: Free
Summary: Created by the Finnish broadcasting company Yle, Say it in Saami is an interactive, culturally rich phrasebook and mini-course.
It introduces learners to North, Inari, and Skolt Sami through high-quality audio clips, situational phrases, and short video content.
What I like:
- Covers different Sami dialects
- Rich in cultural and situational context
What I don’t like:
- Website doesn’t always work and is very slow
- Limited depth as it functions mostly as an interactive phrasebook
- No comprehensive Sami curriculum
Best online Sami courses
Sami’s a tough one, as there isn’t a whole lot available.
But this list pretty much sums up the best online Sami course options currently available.
In addition to a Sami course, make sure you’re getting regular Sami practice with native speakers.
Usually I recommend italki as the easiest way to find really inexpensive practice partners and tutors, but I haven’t had any luck finding a native Sami speaker on there. You can however, buy face-to-face online lessons with a Sami teacher through the e-skuvla resource I mentioned above.
Just remember that even if you have all the courses on this list, you’ll still fail at Sami without the right motivation.
Even a poor Sami course can be effective in the hands of someone with the right amount of determination to succeed.
For tips on how to learn Sami and overcoming various language learning struggles, subscribe below by ‘Joining the Guild’.
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