In a significant shift in linguistic policy, the Latvian Education Ministry has decreed that, starting from the year 2026, schools in Latvia will no longer offer courses in Russian as a foreign language. Pupils will be expected to study a language from within the European Union or the European Economic Area instead.
This announcement, made on April 23, reflects current language learning trends, noting that Russian is the most commonly studied foreign language in Latvian educational institutions, with German and English also being popular choices.
Despite this, the Latvian government has observed that more than half the schools in the country still offer Russian as the second foreign language option, due largely to a shortage of educators qualified to teach alternative languages.
The move was influenced by the feedback of parents, particularly after the onset of Ukraine’s full-scale invasion, expressing their preference against Russian language education for their children.
Educational reforms reflect cultural and political standings, with Education Minister Anda Caksa stating, “The opportunity to choose a second foreign language at school, one of the languages of the European Union, we confirm our belonging to the European cultural space and the values of the democratic world.”
Minister Caska also commented on the impact of Russia’s actions, indicating that mandatory Russian language education is no longer suitable considering current societal sentiments following Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Latvian students who are already in the midst of their Russian studies will be allowed to continue until they complete the basic educational stage, as per the Education Ministry guidelines.
The education policy change joins a list of Latvia’s responses to the conflict in Ukraine, which also includes stricter residency regulations for Russian nationals.
A 2023 survey found that 37.7% of Latvian citizens recognized Russian as their native language.
Latvia has consistently shown its support for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Evika Silina highlighting that Riga’s military aid for Kyiv totaled an impressive 392 million euros (approximately $425 million), including forthcoming defense support.
FAQs about Latvian Language Policy Change
Q: When will schools in Latvia stop teaching Russian as a foreign language?
A: The cessation of Russian language instruction in Latvian schools is set to take effect in 2026.
Q: What languages will Latvian students study instead of Russian?
A: Students will be required to study a language of a member country of the European Union or the European Economic Area instead.
Q: Can students currently learning Russian continue their studies?
A: Yes, students who have already begun learning Russian can continue their studies until the end of their basic education stage.
Q: What prompted this change in language policy?
A: The policy change has been influenced by parental feedback and reflects Latvia’s cultural alignment with the European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Q: How much has Latvia contributed to Ukraine’s military aid?
A: Latvia has contributed approximately 392 million euros ($425 million) in military aid to Ukraine, including a defense aid package planned for April.
Conclusion
The Education Ministry of Latvia has taken a definitive stance in response to the geopolitical situation, aligning its educational policies with the sentiment of its population and its support for Ukraine. By discontinuing Russian as a mandatory second language and fostering European Union languages, Latvia not only promotes linguistic diversity but also takes a stand on the current political landscape. The nation’s unyielding support for Ukraine is manifest in substantial financial aid, demonstrating a commitment to regional stability and democratic values. This change may serve as a bellwether for other nations examining their educational curricula in the context of global events.
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