Language learning is a complex process of discoveries, collaboration, and creation of new habits: self-expression, creative thinking, information-gathering, and communication.
All students can be successful language learners.
Take Latvian to expand your understanding about language learning and to gain new knowledge, skills, and experiences!
The course provides a systematic overview of the basic linguistic characteristics of the Latvian language and gives the ability to read and write short texts and to engage in simple conversations about topics relevant to students.
The course has four main pillars:
(1) Authenticity (real-world language, texts, communication situations)
(2) Interactivity (collaboration, interactive learning materials, discussions, role games)
(3) Inductive, explicit, and clear grammar (examples-grammar-practice-extended contexts)
(4) Fun (language learning is simply an exciting journey with inspiring companions, memorable impressions, and positive emotions! :))
The course includes series of
- thematically arranged texts (student dialogues, social media posts, literary texts, songs, films, etc.)
- conversation themes related to student identities, life, interests, and hobbies around the world
- structurally graduated grammar topics (such as noun groups, adjectives, present forms of verbs)
- individual/group assignments with media and various educational technologies
so that you can use spoken and written Latvian for basic needs and be able to continue improving your knowledge and skills to the next language level.
Language learning in the course is closely tied to learning about the Latvian culture and to your own personal experiences.
English-language explanations of grammatical structures and occasional translations are not avoided altogether.
Teaching and learning take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect among students and between the instructor and students. The course strives to accommodate and assist students with different cognitive abilities and learning styles.
Grading
Classroom activities - 30%
Home assignments - 20%
Quizzes - 20 %
Culture-related project - 10%
Final Exam - 20%
WHAT DO STUDENTS SAY ABOUT LEARNING LATVIAN?
The most interesting thing that we have covered in class was a group project creating a learning book for other Latvian learners. We worked in pairs, decided on a topic, and used Pressbook to make our own mini book. This was a great learning experience because we taught and re-taught the information to ourselves as we created the learning material. We had other learning materials to reference, but we still needed to stretch our knowledge of the language to make a cohesive and engaging book. It was a very productive way to solidify our current fluency in the language and we ended up creating something that others in our position can use as a resource.
(Andra 2023)
While it is really difficult to choose just one appealing thing about Latvian class, for me the most interesting thing is being able to communicate in the language in a small class environment, as this combines everything I enjoy about Latvian. More specifically, I find the language itself very fascinating, with its unique grammar structures and beautiful song-like rhythm, and I feel very fortunate to have learned to understand and use the language as it allows me to connect more deeply with my Latvian heritage. Being able to converse in Latvian about various topics in class with a smaller number of people makes it no longer feel like a class, but rather an authentic conversation between speakers of the language. Even if someone does not have a cultural connection to Latvian, I believe anyone would fall in love with the language and the class!
(Elizabeth Skalatsky 2023)
One of my favorite aspects of taking Latvian at the UW from 2019-2021 was how responsive the class was and how its structure really allowed for personalization. The format and environment of the class were nothing like I’d experienced elsewhere at the university level, with us able to use multiple forms of media to interact with language and grammar in a way that was equally challenging and rewarding, and finding a small group of students and teachers who truly supported one another. We were able to learn everyday language and topics but also expand into what interested and was important to us as students, like how to talk about art or write a resume.
(Alex Herrmann 2021)
When studying Latvian, I liked dissecting the grammar and etymology when translating poems (especially Imants Ziedonis’), because the language lends itself so beautifully to artistic expression. However, my favorite thing about studying Latvian in general was that, because it is not as common, it opened me up to part of the world that most people don’t get to experience. Moreover, because the department and class sizes are smaller, I liked that it made for a close-knit learning environment with more resources to go around. It was because of this that I actually was able to get funding to fly to Latvia and have an experience of a lifetime.
(Nicco 2019)
Latvian is spoken by 1.5 to 2 million people worldwide, the vast majority living in Latvia. As the world becomes more interconnected many communities are finding their languages used less and less in academia, business, and wider society, replaced instead by lingua franca like English, German, and others. Preserving linguistic diversity is of paramount importance in a globalizing world such as ours, and seemingly small individual decisions to study a language like Latvian are the most powerful steps that can be taken in maintaining our diversity.
(Benjamin 2022)
One of my favorite things about taking Latvian courses is the small class size that allows me to really engage with the professor and ask questions I'd hesitate to in larger classes. Latvian is a hard but beautiful language that reflects a rich and intriguing cultural history. As a non-heritage speaker, I'd recommend Latvian to anyone who enjoys working close with a teacher and who is interested in learning about a country often passed over by the main historical narrative.
(Faith 2023).