OK, in Latvia, do not speak Russian

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3-06-2009 @ 8:18AM

Maria said...

I found this article very helpful actually. It seems nothing has changed in Latvia. I am Russian and was living in Latvia, but left in 1996 - never to return as it turned out. I do agree that the author of the article has made some mistakes in stating that the two languages are similar and of Slavic orgin, however, I think he did make quite clear that the hatred of everything Russian still continues. I think if I ever do return to Latvia, I'll stick to English, they'll probably beat me up if I start speaking Russian!

3-06-2009 @ 11:48AM

Olga said...

I totally agree with you, I was born in Latvia and lived there until I was 10 (also left in 1996). I am Russian and I'll never forget how much Latvian was forced on us, when I was in like 4th or 5th grade they started teaching most of my classes in Latvian, which is kind of ridiculous, considering that the Russian kids were not fluent. I am sooooo glad I left that country, lots of discrimination there, Latvians hate Russians, I'm much better off here in NY anyway :)

3-06-2009 @ 8:40PM

Maria said...

I agree. I always thought that if they helped Russians to learn Latvian, not just forced it on us, then everybody would have been happier. The problem with Latvians is that they have a big chip on their shoulder, as most people in the West have no idea about Latvia, usually I have to say, it's where Russia is, but on the left.. I've been living in the UK for the past 13 years and just the thought of going back to Latvia feels me with dread. So I think my next noliday will be somewhere in Europe, like Italy :)

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