In line with a new educational direction, Latvia’s Education Ministry has announced a transition plan to eventually discontinue offering Russian as an optional second foreign language in the nation’s school curriculum. This information was disclosed in a report by Delfi on April 21.
With ethnic Russians making up approximately 23.7% of Latvia’s 1.8 million inhabitants as per official statistics from 2023, this decision is significant. Furthermore, a 2023 survey highlighted that nearly 37.7% of the Latvian populace identifies Russian as their native language, according to details found at a related source.
In schools across Latvia, English is the predominant first foreign language taught, with a variety of other languages available as second foreign languages, at least theoretically.
The scarcity of teachers proficient in languages other than Russian is one of the reasons Russian has remained the second foreign language in over fifty percent of Latvian educational institutions.
According to the ministry’s strategy, starting from 2026, there will be an increase in available second foreign language options, with a particular accent on languages from fellow European Union member states.
This measure joins a sequence of actions by Latvia aimed at reducing Russian influence in its public domains.
After Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, Latvia established more stringent residency conditions for Russian nationals in 2022, necessitating permanent residence applications and passage of a basic Latvian language examination.
Russian authorities have criticized measures like these in the Baltic region as manifestations of “Russophobia.” Nonetheless, Latvian officials have justified their linguistic requirements, stating the need for a fundamental understanding of the national language and pointing out the sufficient preparation time allocated for learning it.
In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Latvia remains a steadfast ally, with Prime Minister Evika Silina reporting that Riga has pledged 392 million euros (which is approximately $425 million) in military assistance to Kyiv, including a defense aid package scheduled for April.
FAQ about Latvia’s Education Policy Change
- What changes are being made to the foreign language courses in Latvian schools?
Latvian schools will gradually stop offering Russian as a second foreign language, starting in 2026.
- Why is Russian currently taught as a second language in Latvia?
Russian is taught due to historical ties and the high number of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in Latvia.
- What languages will replace Russian as a second foreign language?
Starting in 2026, Latvian schools will introduce more options for second foreign languages, focusing on languages from other EU countries.
- What is the reasoning behind this policy change?
The policy aims to reduce Russian influence in Latvia and promote the use of the national language and other EU languages.
- How does the Latvian government justify the change?
The Latvian government has defended the policy, stating that it is a reasonable request for residents to have basic knowledge of the national language and that there has been ample time for residents to learn it.
Conclusion
The decision by the Latvian Education Ministry to phase out Russian as a second foreign language is a move consistent with the country’s broader efforts to minimize Russian cultural and linguistic influence following geopolitical tensions. This shift aligns with Latvia’s support for Ukraine and mirrors similar measures taken by neighboring countries. Educational adjustments and initiatives like these highlight the ongoing changes in the Baltic region’s linguistic and cultural landscape, as countries adjust their domestic policies in response to broader international relations dynamics.
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