Seto dialect

In this article, we will explore the topic of Seto dialect from different perspectives and with the aim of providing a comprehensive view on its importance, impact and relevance today. Through a detailed and rigorous analysis, we will examine the various aspects related to Seto dialect, addressing both its origin and its evolution over time. Likewise, we will delve into the practical and theoretical implications that Seto dialect has in different contexts, as well as its influence on society and daily life. With a critical and reflective approach, this article seeks to offer an enriching and in-depth look at Seto dialect, providing knowledge and perspectives that invite reflection and debate.

Seto
seto kiil´
Native toEstonia
RegionSetomaa
EthnicitySetos
Native speakers
13,000 (2011 census)
Language codes
ISO 639-3
Glottologseto1244
South Estonian today. Seto is marked with light red colour.
Percentage of Seto speakers in Estonian municipalities according to the Estonian census 2011.

Seto (seto kiil´; Estonian: setu keel) is a dialect of South Estonian spoken by 12,549 people. It is sometimes identified as a variety under Võro, or the two are described as Võro-Seto. Setos (setokõsõq) mostly inhabit the area near Estonia's southeastern border with Russia in Setomaa, and are primarily Eastern Orthodox, while Võros (võrokõsõq) are traditionally Lutherans and live in historical Võru County.

Language sample

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

  • Seto: Kõik inemiseq sünnüseq vapost ja ütesugumaidsist uma avvo ja õiguisi poolõst. Näile om annõt mudsu ja süämetun'stus ja nä piät ütstõõsõga vele muudu läbi kjauma.
  • Võro: Kõik inemiseq sünnüseq vapos ja ütesugumaidsis uma avvo ja õiguisi poolõst. Näile om annõt mudsu ja süämetunnistus ja nä piät ütstõõsõga vele muudu läbi käümä.
  • Estonian: Kõik inimesed sünnivad vabadena ja võrdsetena oma väärikuselt ja õigustelt. Neile on antud mõistus ja südametunnistus ja nende suhtumist üksteisesse peab kandma vendluse vaim.
  • Finnish: Kaikki ihmiset syntyvät vapaina ja tasavertaisina arvoltaan ja oikeuksiltaan. Heille on annettu järki ja omatunto, ja heidän on toimittava toisiaan kohtaan veljeyden hengessä.
  • English: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

References

  • Alekseev, F. (2016). "Opyt polevogo issledovanija jazyka seto" Опыт полевого исследования языка сето [Field research experience in the Seto language]. Finno-ugorskij Mir (in Russian). 3: 14–17.
  • Eichenbaum, Külli; Pajusalu, Karl (2001). "Setode ja võrokeste keelehoiakutest ja identiteedist". Keel ja Kirjandus. 7: 483–489.
  • Eller, Kalle (1999). Võro-Seto Language. Võro Institute. ISBN 9985914953.