“A very strong stream it is”: An Interpretation of Yoiks about the Gievdneguoika Waterfall Cover Image

“A very strong stream it is”: An Interpretation of Yoiks about the Gievdneguoika Waterfall
“A very strong stream it is”: An Interpretation of Yoiks about the Gievdneguoika Waterfall

Author(s): Basa Violeta
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Customs / Folklore, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology
Published by: Uniwersytet Gdański
Keywords: yoiks; Sámi lyrics; Sámi music; Sámi culture

Summary/Abstract: This article is devoted to yoik, the traditional vocal music of the Sámi people. It explains what yoiks are and what meaning they have in Sámi culture as an expression of remembrance and emotions. The study analyses the lyrics of three yoiks about a waterfall on the Kautokeino river called Gievdneguoika, and examines how they express emotions. It also considers what these yoiks and the literary techniques they rely on say about the cultural values and attitudes of the Sámi people.

  • Issue Year: 27/2023
  • Issue No: 7
  • Page Range: 13-27
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English