Which Language is Most Common as a Second Language in the Baltic Countries: Russian or English?

When it comes to the second language choice in the Baltic countries, Russian and English stand out as the frontrunners, each with unique standing in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This article delves into the language dynamics, explaining why English has become the preferred choice in some places while Russian remains dominant in others.

Estonia: Where English Outshines Russian

In Estonia, English is the most commonly spoken second language. This is especially true among the younger generation, who often cannot speak or only speak rudimentary Russian. Due to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Estonia moved swiftly towards Westernization. Today, the younger Estonian population grows up speaking English as a second language, making it possible to achieve full functionality in society without knowing Russian.

Latvia: The Dominance of Russian and the Multi-Language Landscape

In Latvia, the situation is different. Russian is much more common than English, particularly as a business language. Many Latvians, especially those born in the 1980s and 1990s, are trilingual, speaking Latvian, Russian, and English. The younger generation in Latvia tends to maintain this trilingualism, with English often replacing Russian for international communication.

Lithuania: A Generation Divide

Lithuania presents an interesting contrast. While there is a shift towards English, especially among the younger generation, Russian remains a significant language. Among those who did not grow up during the Soviet era, English is more likely to be the second language. However, for those born in the period from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, Russian is still the dominant second language. This generation had to learn Russian in school and often prefer to continue using it for formal and cultural reasons.

The Historical Context: Soviet Influence and Language Policies

The Soviet era played a significant role in shaping the languages spoken in the Baltic countries. Until the fall of the Soviet Union, Russian was one of the two official languages in each republic, alongside the respective Baltic languages. However, the Soviet Union had strong policies of Russification, which included making Russian a required subject in public schools. English, on the other hand, was taught primarily in colleges and post-secondary schools for reasons of diplomacy and literature.

The Modern Baltic Scenery

With the fall of the Soviet Union, the Baltic countries have been asserting their cultural and linguistic identities. English and Russian have taken on new roles as strategic and diplomatic languages, serving as tools for international communication and diplomacy. However, in the Baltics, there is a strong preference for the native language. Yesterday's Russian education has left a mark, and many older Baltics can still conduct conversations in Russian, especially with fellow Lithuanians of their age or older.

Conclusion: The choice between Russian and English in the Baltic countries is influenced by a complex interplay of generations, historical context, and national identity. While English is becoming more prevalent, particularly among the younger generation, Russian remains a significant part of the linguistic landscape, especially for those over 30.