Thread: Языковая обстановка в Латвии и др.

Originally Posted by nulle

Everyone will be FORCED to learn Russian to a good level, but Latvian will be marginalized again - just like in Soviet times.
People remember this "enrichment" too well.

Russia (at least under Putin's reign) will only be satisfied when Baltic states are part of it again.

I completely agree with you

Ok, maybe I was too harsh. I do not think that russians should be discriminated against - and maybe Russian language should have greater status.
But there should be a discussion about it - Russians should not simply demand "their rights" or threaten to "show Latvians their place" - Latvians are majority and should be respected (If someone does not want that , then maybe they should move to place where Russians are majority (Russia, for example)).
Osipov and Linderman are starting this referendum as a retaliation or revenge against "latvian nazis" - that is not a good approach at all.
(There was attempt to start a referendum to phase out Russian schools in 12 years - but it failed - did not get enough signatures).
Those who say that Russian should have greater status - OK - how much greater?
What should we do?
Divide this country like Belgium? (Bad idea)
Ask good knowledge of BOTH official languages from everyone? (a lot of young Latvians have poor Russian skills as it is not a mandatory subject in school anymore)
Make 100% of information available in both languages everywhere (double paperwork - more expensive + in service sector Russian already is de facto official language).
Majority of Latvians will not agree that Russian language should regain all the privileges it got in Soviet times unconditionally - so some compromise should be made.