They master the language but do not speak: a strange situation called ‘parallel linguism’ has emerged in Latvia
Here is how they characterized it:
“The actual use of the Latvian language and linguistic relations do not correspond to the model of a single language; the parallelism of Latvian and Russian in informal communication hinders a consistent state language policy. Language use is determined not only by ability but also by social norms and habits, and the current growth in skills has not led to a proportional increase in usage.”
Therefore, experts recommend, “it is important to ensure the practical implementation of the state language in the public space.”
For this, it is necessary to:
* firstly, “strengthen cooperation and monitoring of institutions”;
* secondly, “expand the environment of the Latvian language in culture and digital content” (hello to the contributors of the Swedish bank, which recently discarded the native language of a significant number of its clients in their electronic communication),
* thirdly, “introduce a unified model for language acquisition for newcomers and those with temporary protection status among Ukrainian civilians.”
All of this was demonstrated by a state-funded research project titled “Vectors of Social Cohesion: from Cohesion around the State Nation (2012-2018) to a Cohesive Community of Citizens for the Sake of the State, Society, and Individual Security (2024-2025)” – which was recently presented in parliament.