Language Policy in Post-Soviet Latvia

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Latvia has been altering its language policy towards the Russian language as a language of national minority. The article describes the evolution of language-related laws, as well as the social and role of the Russian language in Latvia. The au...

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Main Authors: Chao Liu, Chao Sun
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Kemerovo State University 2024-12-01
Series:Вестник Кемеровского государственного университета. Серия: политические, социологические и экономические науки
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author Chao Liu
Chao Sun
author_facet Chao Liu
Chao Sun
author_sort Chao Liu
collection DOAJ
description Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Latvia has been altering its language policy towards the Russian language as a language of national minority. The article describes the evolution of language-related laws, as well as the social and role of the Russian language in Latvia. The authors combined various methods of linguistics, history, and politics to establish the importance of the Russian language in Latvian education and socio-cultural life. The current language policy focuses on consolidation, self-identity, and historical memory of the Latvian population. The resulting social tension requires more diversity and inclusivity to maintain the balance between the languages and preserve the cultural heritage. Stronger language rights for ethnic minorities could improve the social development and unity of Latvia. Latvia’s experience is important for China as a multinational country as it strives to find a balance between promoting the state language and protecting the languages of national minorities. The study of Latvia’s modern language policy and its historical roots contributes to the mutual cooperation between Latvia and China in economics, education, and culture. A good understanding of the national language is a key factor for business communications and cultural exchange.
format Article
id doaj-art-e2b4cecebee44b94bd6a86e2066f8f2b
institution Kabale University
issn 2500-3372
2542-1190
language English
publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher Kemerovo State University
record_format Article
series Вестник Кемеровского государственного университета. Серия: политические, социологические и экономические науки
spelling doaj-art-e2b4cecebee44b94bd6a86e2066f8f2b2024-12-25T03:10:09ZengKemerovo State UniversityВестник Кемеровского государственного университета. Серия: политические, социологические и экономические науки2500-33722542-11902024-12-019450451310.21603/2500-3372-2024-9-4-504-513Language Policy in Post-Soviet LatviaChao Liu0Chao Sun1Heilongjiang UniversityHeilongjiang UniversitySince the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Latvia has been altering its language policy towards the Russian language as a language of national minority. The article describes the evolution of language-related laws, as well as the social and role of the Russian language in Latvia. The authors combined various methods of linguistics, history, and politics to establish the importance of the Russian language in Latvian education and socio-cultural life. The current language policy focuses on consolidation, self-identity, and historical memory of the Latvian population. The resulting social tension requires more diversity and inclusivity to maintain the balance between the languages and preserve the cultural heritage. Stronger language rights for ethnic minorities could improve the social development and unity of Latvia. Latvia’s experience is important for China as a multinational country as it strives to find a balance between promoting the state language and protecting the languages of national minorities. The study of Latvia’s modern language policy and its historical roots contributes to the mutual cooperation between Latvia and China in economics, education, and culture. A good understanding of the national language is a key factor for business communications and cultural exchange.latvialanguage policymonolingualismlatvian languagerussian languagestate language center
spellingShingle Chao Liu
Chao Sun
Language Policy in Post-Soviet Latvia
Вестник Кемеровского государственного университета. Серия: политические, социологические и экономические науки
latvia
language policy
monolingualism
latvian language
russian language
state language center
title Language Policy in Post-Soviet Latvia
title_full Language Policy in Post-Soviet Latvia
title_fullStr Language Policy in Post-Soviet Latvia
title_full_unstemmed Language Policy in Post-Soviet Latvia
title_short Language Policy in Post-Soviet Latvia
title_sort language policy in post soviet latvia
topic latvia
language policy
monolingualism
latvian language
russian language
state language center
work_keys_str_mv AT chaoliu languagepolicyinpostsovietlatvia
AT chaosun languagepolicyinpostsovietlatvia