From Symbolic Role to Everyday Speech: Revitalizing Livonian as a Living Language
Presenter(s)
Affiliation
Topic
Good practices, methodologies, and strategies
Type
Papers
Abstract
This presentation explores the revitalization efforts of the indigenous Livonian language, focusing on the challenges and strategies implemented after the natural intergenerational transmission within families ceased several decades ago. As one of the most endangered languages in the world (Moseley 2010), Livonian holds a legally recognized status in Latvia as the language of the country’s indigenous Livonian people.
Analysis of questionnaire and interview data collected from descendants of Livonian speakers across multiple research projects reveals a strong positive attitude toward the language, despite the critically small number of fluent speakers (approximately 20–30 individuals). Within the broader Livonian community (around 1,000–2,000 individuals identifying fully or partially as Livonian), the language retains high symbolic value.
However, the historical absence of formal language education, combined with the geographical dispersion of the community, and other circumstances has significantly contributed to a decline in language proficiency. This shift has also altered community perceptions of language identity—while family heritage remains a defining factor for belonging, individual language proficiency is no longer a primary criterion.
With the introduction of formal Livonian language learning opportunities for children and youth in 2024 (as this community group is the most active and shows the highest willingness to participate in any activity related to Livonian culture and language) this study examines practices, approaches, and linguistic behaviours that foster the normalization of Livonian in communication. Recognizing the key components of linguistic behaviour and the attitudinal factors influencing language use supports theoretical perspectives on the adaptability of both, shaped by complex individual and societal dynamics (Garrett 2010).
