Thread: Regarding Russian in the Baltic States

One funny thing that I heard several times was that each person spoke in his own language.

Like this
GUSTAVO/Влади "No lupam lasi - глупо, но класс" - YouTube
I speak to my landlord like that all the time. And resort to russian ONLY when she does not understand anything at all what i'm saying (happens quite often).
Person who owns at least two apartments here is not a tourist and should know local language.

The Russian-speaking people in Latvia constitute the minority.

They are not a minority in largest cities.
In Rīga and Daugavpils you can easily live using only Russian.

And about tourists:
It is simple - If someone asks me if I understand his language - I will assume that he is a tourist.
Otherwise I will assume that he is a local and answer in Latvian.

Originally Posted by nulle

They are not a minority in largest cities.
In Rīga and Daugavpils you can easily live using only Russian.

You see, in Quebec or Montreal you can live easily using only French, and in Toronto and Vancouver you can live easily using only English. However, both English and French are official languages in Canada. So, no contradiction here.

Also, I was kind of expecting an explanation from you on how the introduction of Russian as a second official language would bring back the Soviet times. So, would you kindly be able to explain?

I mean, I got some 'school' explanation from Eric, and I'm open to that discussion, but since you were the one who played out the 'Soviet times' card, I think you should be responsible to elaborate your opinion upon request, won't you agree?