Cultural expert Denis Khanov commented on the results of the discussion in defense of the Latvian language, which took place within the walls of the Riga City Council.
"The Russian language should be recognized as the language of a former colonial power, which has no place in mutual communication, while the Latvian language needs to be strengthened and protected by laws and by increasing resources, in the discussion of 'what is respect for the state language? What is disrespect for the state language?' - experts agreed together," reports Latvian Radio today. Cultural expert Denis Khanov disagrees with the theses presented during the conference.
"Reading the Latvian press, I began to notice traits of 'zhdanovshchina,' which were characteristics of Stalin's policies, containing that very regulatory, punitive language that expresses contempt for other cultures and languages.
Unfortunately, it must be said that this in no way strengthens a positive attitude towards the Latvian language, because you cannot, as in the comic opera 'Abduction from the Seraglio,' say: 'I command you to love me from this day on!'
The Latvian language is a charming foundation for our common nation, but this is precisely what the political elite does not want. The eternal discourse about threat is very, very beneficial. Therefore, I believe that the Latvian language should become part of the public space not through punishment or a condemning discourse, but through maximum openness," said Professor Khanov in an interview with Latvian Radio.
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