Lithuania plans to strengthen the study of the German language in connection with closer relations with Berlin

The situation of Estonian language choices inevitably makes us wonder if we are moving sufficiently with the times. While Lithuania and Latvia are consciously strengthening the position of the German language by linking language learning more clearly to future needs, Estonia seems to be more cautious in this matter. The large share of the Russian language in schools is historically and demographically understandable, but the question is about balance.

Knowing Russian can be practical, but if it comes at the expense of other languages, it can limit young people’s opportunities. Linguistic diversity is not only an educational value, but also an important advantage in the labor market and in international communication. The growing importance of the German language in Europe, especially in the context of economics and science, suggests that Estonia could orient its language policy more towards the future.

Perhaps the problem is not so much a reluctance to change, but the inertia of a system where tradition and available resources influence choices more than strategic vision. That is why the question arises whether Estonia should more actively direct language learning towards diversity in order to avoid a situation where the dominance of one language narrows the future opportunities of young people.