Latvian, also known by the name Lettish or Lettisch, is one of only two Baltic languages still in common usage, the other being Lithuanian. It is spoken by the majority of those living in Latvia and by Latvian emigres in other countries. The language uses a Latin-based, though modified, alphabet. It is an official language of the European Union.

This page provides access to online courses, Latvian/English/Latvian dictionaries, cultural information, grammar, vocabulary, tutorials, podcasts & blogs, Free and Fee-based software, other selected resources and general information.

If you are aware of other quality resources - courses or specific language aspects, let the webmasters know, so they can be considered for inclusion.

Latvian Language Courses

Courses

• Ko Tu Teici ?
  While the site is in Latvian, there is the option to have English instructions within the categories and sub-categories.
• Latvian 101
  ‘Designed as a starting point for people who want to learn more about the Latvian language. Links on the left contain English to Latvian translations as well as other useful information about the Latvian language’.
• Learn Latvian Language
  Done in Blog format. Culture, language - grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, video lessons, media, tips for study, more.
• Latvian
  Learning materials, resources, Latvian fonts, greetings, the alphabet. You need the fonts for the site’s second section.
• Study Latvian Online
  Alphabet, pronunciation, phrases, word lists, grammar, vocabulary, exercises, games, texts, media, links, more.

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Language Tools

Dictionaries

• English-Latvian Online Dictionary
  ‘We have designed these pages so that you can easily get instant back translations, for more complete understanding. You provide the words - we do the translating’.
• Free Online Latvian-English Dictionary
  Listing of multiple dictionary sites including some with audio assistance.
• Latvian-English and English-Latvian
  Online Dictionary. Use the online version or download a copy.
• Latvian/English/Latvian Dictionary
  Use either option provided. Also has links to other dictionaries.
• Latvian-English Dictionary
  Enter the word. Choose to translate into either Latvian or English.
• Universal Dictionary
  ‘Please write a word into the upper textfield. Press Search button to find matching entries in the Universal dictionary’.

General Sites

• Baltic Online
  Information about Latvian and Lithuanian, links to texts, glossaries, language resources, more.
• Digital Dialects : Latvian
  ‘Features Free to use online games for learning languages. Language resources include games for learning phrases, numbers, useful words, spelling, verb conjugation and alphabets. Games use Macromedia Flash Player’.
• Hello-World
  ‘Lessons, games, and activities to learn Latvian. Listen to native speakers at home with activities especially for children’.
• Latvian [2]
  Alphabet, pronunciation, links to other sources, several included here. Software & Books [Fee-based] are listed here.
• Latvian English Translator
  ‘Translation for computers, portable devices and mobile phones [iPhone,Android, … ]’. A similar site can be found at Free Online Latvian English translation.
• Latvian Language
  Classification, dialects, non-native speakers, grammar, orthography, phonology, history, bibliography, references, links. From Wikipedia.
• Latvian Language Helper
  How To Use, The basics, Phrases, Grammatics. Pages can be downloaded.
• Latvian Language Information
  Alphabet, pronunciation and grammar information.
• Latvian Language Resources
  Grouped links. University of California, Berkeley.
• Latvian Language Resources
  Links to Latvian resources including software, games, quizzes.
• Latvian Wikibook
  Alphabet, pronunciation, basic vocabulary, common phrases.
• Learn Latvian Online
  ‘The site offers software that allows you to learn Latvian online - a total of 56 weeks of study. There is a program for adults and a separate program for children. It is possible to learn Latvian not only from English, but also from up to 30 languages including Japanese, Mandarin, French, …’. Fee-based but is very reasonable in price.
• Quick Fix - Essential Phrases
  BBC Languages. ‘Take these phrases with you on your MP3 player and as a print-out’.
• The Latvian Language Helper
  Covers The Basics, Phrases and Grammatics.

Grammar

• Latvian Grammar
  ‘Includ[es] a course about adjectives, adverbs, articles, feminine, negation, nouns, numbers, phrases, plural, prepositions, pronouns, questions, verbs, vocabulary, exercises … to help you with your Latvian grammar’.
• Latvian Grammar [Valoda]
  Nouns, adjectives, pronouns, numerals, verbs, participles.
• Latvian Grammar [2]
  Nouns and adjectives, verbs, prepositions. References, links. From Wikipedia.

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Other Resources

Culture

• Culture.lv
  A portal to cultural information on Latvia and Latvians.
• Welcome to Latvia
  Cultural links. Several in Latvian, but many have English versions available. Culture, music, visual arts, literature, more.

General Sites

• Free online Russian-Latvian-English Translation
  Translate between any language pair.
• Latvians.com
  News, timeline, country life, cultural life, historical information, photo gallery, digital collection, articles, more.

Software

• Free Latvian Language [Software]
  Byki. ‘Free, you can use it forever, with no time or session limits. We think you’ll like what you see and hear’. Select from the language listing.
• Language Resource
  A collection of software programs for Latvian. Fee-based.
• Latvian Language
  Software to purchase. Also DVDs, videos.

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