Language is not an enemy, but politics makes it one

An opinion piece published in the Latvian regional newspaper Ziemeļlatvija warns that language is increasingly being used as a tool in political struggles. The author notes that in the run-up to elections, questions about the use of Russian are particularly inflamed because they effectively mobilize voters. Such polemics, in which opinions are set against each other, create additional tension in society and affect everyday relationships.

The author recounts an acquaintance who said she likes Russian songs but now feels she can no longer listen to them, even though there is no actual ban. People begin to restrict themselves, fearing public condemnation rather than the law. The piece also mentions social media outrage over allegedly banned Russian-language songs by Raimonds Pauls. In reality, regulations prohibit playing songs publicly whose lyricists are on sanctions lists. Therefore, some of Pauls' songs, for example those with lyrics by Ilya Reznik, will not be played publicly, but the rest is described as using half-truths to inflame emotions.

Similar distortions occurred in discussions about the use of Russian in public institutions, such as the police. Many interpreted the discussions as a total ban, although the reality was much more nuanced. The author understands that for some members of society, Russian has become a symbol of the aggressor state after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the biggest problem is not the strengthening of Latvian, which is seen as right and necessary, but the fact that language itself becomes an object of political struggle, leading to a divided society.

At the same time, the author draws attention to another tendency – the growing dominance of English. In Riga and other cities, English often dominates shop windows, company names, and advertisements, and few people worry about it. On the contrary, it is considered modern and good. Young people increasingly use anglicisms, some switch to English even in Latvian company, read books in English, and English expressions are increasingly heard on television. The author calls for common sense: our task is not to wage war on languages, but to ensure that Latvian in Latvia remains alive, strong, and the first choice.