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1/3 Latvians, who reside abroad, are purposely drifting away from Latvia

BC, Riga, 31.07.2017.Print version
A third of Latvians who reside in other countries are purposely drifting away from Latvia, Inta Mierina, head of the University of Latvia's Center for Diaspora and Migration Research, said at the first European Latvian Congress on July 28th, reports LETA.

Those Latvians who have relatives living in Latvia, as well as those who read Latvian mass media on a daily basis have much closer connection to Latvia, therefore the media are very important in maintaining emigrants' links to their homeland, emphasized Mierina. In addition, those who are doing well and are high income earners, are more likely to assimilate.

 

According to various studies, those who left Latvia during the economic crisis between 2009 and 2011 have the worst opinion about their country, said Mierina. This suggests that these people are bitterly disappointed. "A third are purposely drifting apart from Latvia, they also are the most cynical about the developments in Latvia," she added.

 

Mierina believes that more support should be provided for education of Latvian emigrants' children and young people. Learning Latvian and speaking Latvian are important, and studies have found that the feeling of belonging to Latvia develops in childhood. To those who have left Latvia it is important to see that Latvian politicians actually do something to solve the problem and help those who wish to return to Latvia.

 

MP Ilmars Latvkovskis and philosopher and writer Ilmars Slapins in their speeches also emphasized the importance of the Latvian language in the identity development of Latvian children, both in Latvia and abroad.

 

The first European Latvian Congress will continue until July 30. The congress is organized by the European Latvian Association with support from the Foreign Ministry of Latvia.






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