Youth in Karsava learn Latgalian and create Latgalian-themed games at Atzolys seminar

This week, Karsava Secondary School and its surroundings have become a place where the Latgalian language is heard especially often. A youth seminar called “Atzolys” — which translates as “young shoots” — is taking place there. The event brings together young people who want to learn Latgalian and, at the same time, create something new connected to Latgalian themes.

Participants are learning the Latgalian language and developing games devoted to Latgalian topics. The work takes place both inside the school and in the immediate area, so Latgalian speech can often be heard around the venue. In this way, young people not only listen to the language but also use it themselves in creative tasks.

“Atzolys”, meaning “young shoots”, symbolically points to the strength of the younger generation in nurturing the language. Through games, participants can explore Latgalian themes in an interactive way. The seminar is designed to make young people feel involved and to apply the language practically rather than only studying it in theory.

This week, Karsava has become a place where Latgalian is heard at every step. Initiatives of this kind show that the language can live in modern formats such as games, and that young people have a significant role in its preservation.