Literature

JOĐATUS GEOGRAFIISSEEN

Johatus Geografiisseen, or Introduction to Geography, represents our effort to craft the very first textbook in Kven. This book dives into the basics of world geography, covering a wide range of topics, including geology, cartography, social geography, and climatology.

The language used within this book also noteworthy. Our aim was to convey information in a straightforward manner, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries by creating new words and terms not previously known in the Kven language.

It's important to note that this book has not undergone proofreading nor received approval from the Kven Language Council (kielitinka). However, this does not limit the potential benefits for the Kven language if educational resources like this were available.

POHJAISTUULI JA AURINKO

The North Wind and the Sun is one of Aesop's Fables, a collection of Ancient Greek folktales. It tells the story of a dispute between the North Wind and the Sun, who then decide to see who can make a traveler on the ground remove their cloak to prove their strength.

There has been one exisiting version in the Kven language published on Ruijan Kaiku. This is our version.

VARIS JA KRUUKKU

The Crow and the Pitcher is one of Aesop's Fables, a collection of Ancient Greek folktales. It tells the story of a thirsty crow that discovers a pitcher containing a small amount of water. But the pitcher is too deep for him to reach. Determined to quench his thirst, he cleverly drops pebbles into the pitcher, raising the water level until he can finally drink.

REPO JA DRUERIT

The Fox and the Grapes is one of Aesop's Fables, a collection of Ancient Greek folktales. It tells the story of a hungry fox, who sees a bunch of ripe grapes hanging high on a vine. He tries unsuccessfully to reach them, and when he can't, he dismisses them as sour.

PETTERI KANIININ MUISTELUS

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a children's classic written and illustrated by British author Beatrix Potter. It tells the story of a mischievous young rabbit who disobeys his mother's warning and ventures into Mr. McGregor's garden.

This book has been translated into over 30 languages, including Ancient Egyptian and Klingon, and is one of the best-selling books in the world.

PIKKU PRINSI (coming soon)

The Little Prince is a classic novella by French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, first published in 1943. It is one of the most translated works in the world, with 553 translations in different languages. One of the most inspiring versions is the Savo Finnish translation Ee mikkään kaaheen iso Ruununperillinen, which raises the question of why there have not been any attempt to translate it into Meänkieli or Kven. The current translation is not yet complete, but it shows that a Kven version of the book is possible and could inspire more young Kvens to learn the language through popular literature.

PIKKU NAISSII (coming soon)

Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, first published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, which are loosely based on Alcott's own life and experiences with her sisters. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential works of American literature and feminism. The book has been translated into more than 50 languages. In an attempt to broaden Kven literature, we will translate an excerpt of the book, which is the first and second chapter.