Support for the study of the Livonian language and culture

The Livonian Institute at the University of Latvia will establish the first group for Livonian children and young people, who will begin to learn the Livonian language and culture on a regular basis, and in the longer term will also take on the role of preserving and passing on the language – essentially, this marks the launch of the first informal Livonian school. Alongside this group, the Institute plans to create a platform for Livonian speakers to provide them with the opportunity to practise the language. The last time Livonian children were able to learn Livonian as an optional subject at school was in the 1939/1940 academic year.

Why support this? Imagine if we all wore the same clothes, ate the same food and spoke the same language… it might be efficient and cheaper (and the world is moving in that direction), but wouldn’t life become dull and boring? Won’t we lose our curiosity and spirit of discovery, and lose one of the greatest joys of travelling to foreign lands and getting to know the unfamiliar? The North Kurzeme coast is one of the most beautiful places, with a unique coastal culture – the Livonian culture – which is still cherished and alive amongst a few dozen people. There is still time to fan the embers that are slowly dying out, so that the flame continues to burn and live on. Perhaps one day we will realise that the uniqueness of the culture of the North Kurzeme coast is a treasure that makes us interesting to the whole world, and that we can become a destination for curious travellers from the far corners of the globe.