Mar 6 โ€ข 04:34 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡ป Latvia LSM

Walls 'Speak' Latvian, but Students Do Not Always: How is the Latvianization of the Environment Going in the Former Russian Schools

In Latvia, the integration of the Latvian language in former Russian schools shows varying degrees of success, highlighting challenges in creating a fully immersive Latvian environment for students.

In Latvia, there is an ongoing effort to promote a Latvian-speaking environment in schools that previously taught in Russian. The Education Quality State Service has noted significant differences in the understanding of what constitutes a Latvian environment among schools, suggesting that simply conducting classes in Latvian does not suffice. It is emphasized that the requirement for a Latvian environment includes all forms of communication in schools, not just during lessons but also during breaks, indicating a comprehensive approach to integration.

Teachers play a crucial role in this transition, as they are encouraged to invite students to converse in Latvian and to use the language themselves in informal settings. Although there are signs of gradual improvement in the implementation of these policies, challenges remain, particularly for students whose mother tongue is Russian. The emotional support offered to these children is hampered by the fact that staff may not speak their native language, which raises concerns about their overall well-being.

The presence of Latvian language posters and materials, referred to as "Latvian-speaking walls," in former Russian schools is more pronounced than in other institutions, helping to reinforce the language visually. However, despite these efforts, the integration process is complex and requires ongoing attention to cultural and emotional factors beyond the classroom walls, as a supportive Latvian environment is also necessary outside of school settings for effective education and integration.

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