CONFERENCEhttps://doi.org/10.22364/ilt.26.06 | 84-101 | PDF
Ina Druviete
Dr. habil. philol., Latvijas Universitātes profesore, Latvijas Universitātes Humanitāro zinātņu fakultātes Latviešu valodas institūta vadošā pētniece, Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmijas īstenā locekle
Valodas apdraudējums kā realitāte vai pieņēmums: Populāra naratīva ietekme uz latviešu valodas noturību
Atslēgvārdi: valodas noturība, valodas zudums, apdraudētās valodas, valodas situācija, valodas politika, latviešu valoda
Language Endangerment as Reality or Assumption: The Impact of a Popular Narrative on the Resilience of the Latvian Language
Keywords: language maintenance, language loss, endangered languages, language situation, language policy, the Latvian language
The article is dedicated to examining the prevalence of the assumption that the Latvian language is endangered and the possible impact of this belief on the language’s resilience. The notion of language endangerment in the Latvian public sphere has been present since at least the mid-nineteenth century; however, it gained particular prominence following the restoration of Latvia’s independence, becoming evident in legislation, academic discourse, journalistic writing, and everyday communication. It may imply a trend of language loss as well as a diminishing role of the language in culture and identity awareness.
The rhetoric of language endangerment is pronounced in Latvian public discourse and reinforced by the regular inclusion of this theme in sociolinguistic surveys and its reflection in the media. This perception should not be dismissed merely as the conviction of isolated individuals or as a habitual tradition of sociolinguistic research. Scientific studies of the Latvian language also examine issues related to its potential endangerment, including the possible linguistic assimilation of Latvian speakers, language death, or at least the loss of certain sociolinguistic functions.
The frequently asked question, “Is the Latvian language endangered?” cannot be answered simply with “Yes!” or “No!”. Objective parameters of the language situation (such as the number of speakers, language proficiency, etc.) are quantitatively measurable, and the content of normative acts and strategic documents can be assessed through document analysis. However, in Latvia’s language situation – marked by intense language competition and a language hierarchy that does not always reflect the concept of a state language, especially in informal communication – subjective factors become even more significant. These include linguistic attitudes, behaviour, traditions, and the like, which critically influence the role of language as a factor of social cohesion.
If society senses that such a crucial element of national identity as language is being questioned or diminished, it may mobilize to defend the language – manifested in the conscious use of Latvian in interactions with members of other language groups. From the speakers’ perspective, the emotional and symbolic value of the language increases, particularly when encouraged by opinion leaders. On the other hand, the rhetoric of endangerment may reduce the standing of the language among members of other linguistic communities, thereby discouraging its learning and use. Thus, the narrative of language endangerment must be evaluated in a broader context in each specific case.
Saliedētības vektori. Sast., zin. red. I. Kivle, M. Kūlis. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2026, 200 lpp.