latvian folk costumes
According to the 1897 Imperial Russian Census, there were 505,994 (75.1%) speakers of Latvian in the Governorate of Courland [21] and 563,829 (43.4%) speakers of Latvian in the Governorate of Livonia, making Latvian-speakers the largest linguistic group in each of the governorates. The official language of Latvia is Latvian; however, nearly one-third of the population speaks Russian. Smaller numbers speak Romany, the Indo-Aryan language of the Roma (Gypsies), and Yiddish, a Germanic language. Persons violating Latvian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Latvia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. In these and many other countries, thanks to strong family ties, traditions, a strong Latvian identity, and the help of Latvian diasporas in upholding the values of Latvian traditions, Latvian is a living and viable language. Language is linked to memories and acquiring new knowledge. Latvian is a Baltic language related to Lithuanian and Old Prussian with about 2 million speakers mainly in Latvia. It is a Statutory national language in Latvia and is spoken as a native language by 1.3 million people.
Learn Latvian for free with Linguapedia! Explore themed vocabulary lists, audio by native speakers, grammar tips, and quizzes. Study Latvian online at your own pace. By 1989, about 56% of the Latvian population identified as native Latvian speakers, down from 80% of the population in 1935. Currently, native Latvia speakers account for 60% of the country’s total population.
Premium Photo | Latvian woman in traditional clothing ligo folk
