One of the core values underlying citizenship, nationality, and the feeling of affiliation with a nation is language. For us, it is the Latvian language. To pay special tribute to the Latvian language as the sole state language in Latvia, President Egils Levits has suggested that we celebrate a State Language Day on this October 15 and every year and add it to the calendar of holidays, remembrance, and celebration days. This date was not chosen arbitrarily. On October 15, 1998, Article 4 was added to the Satversme as a constitutional value of the state: “The state language in the Republic of Latvia is the Latvian language.”
Any Latvian language user can participate in the campaign by submitting their answers to the question posed in the campaign via the website vards.valoda.lv. Everyone is invited to express their thoughts and insights on the Latvian language, by finishing the statement “What the Latvian language means to me is…”. In this way, we will gather a set of thoughts and insights from the users of the Latvian language, which will reflect our values, habits, and attitude towards using the Latvian language in everyday situations and fields such as education, culture, science, defense, health, and many other areas.
We begin the campaign by sharing the thoughts of the Minister of Education and Science Anita Muižniece and the Director of the Latvian Language Agency Jānis Valdmanis on the importance of the state language within society. Read more
As the European Language Day approaches, the Latvian Language Agency unveils the diaspora’s treasure hunt series “My treasure in Latvia” on September 24, offering participants a unique treasure hunting competition. The Latvians of the diaspora have created and authored 33 hiding places in Latvia. We challenge you to find as many hidden caches in this series as you can by October 22 and win valuable prizes!
Unveiling of the competition “My treasure in Latvia” here.
The Latvian Language Agency invites everyone to take part in an annual series of events that celebrate linguistic diversity – the European day of Languages. Since 2001, the European Day of Languages is celebrated in the Member States of the European Union on September 26 of every year, and the occasion highlights European languages, linguistic diversity, and language learning. These events have been organized and coordinated in Latvia by the Latvian Language Agency for seventeen years. The European Day of Languages is usually very eventful with many events taking place both before and after September 26.
From September 22 to 23, everyone is encouraged to take part in the competition “iESkaties” that can be accessed remotely from the European Union Information Point at the Library of Saldus. The competition is held on the library’s website https://biblioteka.saldus.lv/esip-lapa/. Read more
We are happy about cooperation with Education, Culture and Sports Department of Riga City Council. Now it’s even easier to teach and learnLatvian language. All materials are available with one click. Try it out!
With its decision No. 2.1.-05/12, the National Centre for Education has confirmed that the textbook complies with the national basic education standard.
Please order the textbooks and workbooks by writing to us to this addressagentura@valoda.lv. For more information: call 67201680, mobile phone: 28803418.
Part 2 of the textbook and workbook will be published in November 2021.
In January 2021, the Latvian Language Agency started implementing the European Union Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund’s 2014–2020 programming period project “Acquisition of the Latvian language in order to facilitate the integration of third-country nationals into the labor market 3” of the 2007-2013 programming period (No. PMIF/6/2020/3/01).
Currently, classes are organized in several regions of Latvia. Interesting and creative lessons take place in Liepāja, for example, led by the teacher Irēna. Our teachers not only help the students prepare for the state language proficiency test but also introduce the language students to Latvian traditions and customs. The lessons use different forms and methods of teaching.
Creative teachers make motivated language learners! Read more
In co-operation with the Education, Culture and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, we have created a comprehensive guide on the electronic tools for learning the Latvian language. Teach and learn Latvian – a mouse click away.
The Latvian Language Agency encourages you to test and improve your knowledge by playing the game “Do you know these terms?” https://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/12-15.
The game consists of the most important terms in several subjects of learning. The terms can be grouped either by their fields of study or they can be viewed in a mixed order (see section: All terms). The student chooses a level that suits him / her. The levels differ according to the terms used and the number of letters that are already given to him / her. The student must read or listen to the description of the term and then write the term in the empty field. At the end of the game, the player is presented with both the number of points he / she received and with the option to repeat the failed questions, thereby improving his / her knowledge.
“Language is the bridge that enables the connection of souls, minds, and people.”
(A. Kronvalds)
We’ve published a Latvian language teaching aid set — Latvian language for adults. Laipa B2. This textbook is the last in the series Latvian language for adults A1-B2.
The textbook can be used to improve all language skills, but it pays special attention to recognizing and understanding different literary styles, as well as writing skills.
The content of the textbook is organized into five thematic categories: Communication and Technology, The Environment and Time, Work, Business and Money, Society and Politics, Culture and Language. Read more
