Where do I start?

Before launching into language studies, we recommend thinking about how much time you’re willing and able to dedicate to it and what you hope to achieve.

Below are a few questions which should help you get a few things clear.

• Analyse your previous language-learning experiences. Did they prove useful? What were the good and bad sides?
• Answer the following questions honestly. Did you do anything to learn the language outside of the classroom? Did you make use of the skills you learned on the course? If not, what stopped you?
• Think about how much time you’re prepared to dedicate to your studies each day.
• Set yourself a goal you want to reach as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that this goal should be achievable and quite specific (e.g. 6-10 new words and phrases a day).
• Find out all the ways you can study the language for free and choose the one you think will suit you best.

Take into account that noticeable improvement takes time when you’re learning a language – it’s not something you can master in the blink of an eye. Specialists agree that it generally takes a minimum of 6-12 months of very hard work to see any substantial increase in fluency. Remember too that results are only achieved by those who continue to study the language outside of the classroom as well.

4 Ways to Make Learning Latvian More Effective (and Way More Fun)

Learning Latvian can feel like a challenge, but with the right strategies, it can also be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. Whether you’re learning for travel, culture, or personal interest, here are 7 ways to make your studies more effective:

Be Consistent, Not Perfect

• Study daily, even if it’s just 15–30 minutes.
• Use spaced repetition tools like Anki for vocabulary retention.
• Set tiny goals like “learn 5 new Latvian words” or “review one verb conjugation.”

Immerse Yourself in Latvian

• Listen to Latvian podcasts or radio shows.
• Watch Latvian YouTube channels or TV shows with subtitles.
• Follow Latvian creators on social media.
• Change your phone or app language settings to Latvian.

Combine Passive and Active Practice

• Passive: Listening to music, watching videos, reading simple texts.
• Active: Speaking, writing short texts, doing exercises, repeating phrases.

Set Smart, Achievable Goals

• Examples: “Order coffee in Latvian,” “Understand a podcast episode,” “Have a 5-minute conversation.”
• Track your progress and celebrate small wins.
• Try keeping a journal or posting on language forums in Latvian.

Final Thought

Latvian may not be the easiest language, but every small effort adds up. Stay consistent, be curious, and enjoy the process. Mazie soļi ved uz lieliem mērķiem. (Small steps lead to big goals.)