Author: Daina Grosa

Latvian Tattoos Survey of Latvians living abroad

Daina Grosa | 

The aim of this survey is to find out about those who live outside Latvia and have Latvian tattoos. Who is getting them? Is it only Millennials and Gen Zs who are getting them or are previous generations now coming on board too? Are more men than women getting Latvian tattoos or viceversa? Why are Latvians living abroad getting a Latvian tattoo? And what do their friends and family think of this? Are tattoos replacing Latvian jewellery as a symbol of ethnic belonging?

During the Latvian Song Festival many Latvians who live abroad and have Latvian tattoos were visible on the streets of Riga. Some were very prominent on their wearers’ bodies, others were only visible on hot short-sleeve shirt days. This led to my interest in finding out more about Latvians (of all generations) living abroad and their interest in Latvian tattoos and what these tattoos mean to them. 
 
If you live anywhere outside Latvia, are of Latvian descent (1st, 2nd, 3rd or even 4th generation), or have an affiliation to Latvians and have a tattoo which you consider to be a Latvian tattoo (or plan to get one), please fill out this survey! Please complete the survey by October 10th, 2023.

https://forms.gle/Q7SQDYYrFUtVinjRA

Daina Gross is editor of Latvians Online. An Australian-Latvian she is also a migration researcher at the University of Latvia, PhD from the University of Sussex, formerly a member of the board of the World Federation of Free Latvians, author and translator/ editor/ proofreader from Latvian into English of an eclectic mix of publications of different genres.

Sveiciens Latvijas 103. Valsts svētkos!

Daina Grosa | 

Latvians Online sveic visus Latvijas 103. Valsts svētkos! Saules mūžu Latvijai!

Daina Gross is editor of Latvians Online. An Australian-Latvian she is also a migration researcher at the University of Latvia, PhD from the University of Sussex, formerly a member of the board of the World Federation of Free Latvians, author and translator/ editor/ proofreader from Latvian into English of an eclectic mix of publications of different genres.

Have your say in University of Latvia survey on diaspora camps and summer high schools

Daina Grosa | 

One of the most effective ways to maintain the Latvian language and identity in the younger generation who live outside Latvia is via children’s and youth camps summer high schools. Children and youth who attend diaspora camps are happy to get involved in activities where their use of the Latvian language is encouraged, and an understanding of their ancestors’ homeland is enhanced.

Despite the choice of diaspora camps being very limited this year due to Covid-19, the Diaspora and Migration Research Centre at the University of Latvia, commissioned by the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched a survey with the aim to find out how camps for children and youth of Latvian descent or Latvian nationals who are living outside Latvia are rated and ways to improve how they are run and operate.

Youth who are 16-30 years old, as well as parents whose children have participated or could possibly participate in camps and summer high schools for diaspora children and youth are invited to fill out the survey.

The survey can be filled out in Latvian or English.

  • If you are a YOUTH, aged 16-30, please use this link to complete the survey!
  • If you are a PARENT (have children aged 5-18), please use this link to complete the survey!

The survey may be completed until 10th August.

The findings of the study will be published on www.diaspora.lu.lv and www.migracija.lv

Researchers at the Diaspora and Migration Research Centre, University of Latvia

Daina Gross is editor of Latvians Online. An Australian-Latvian she is also a migration researcher at the University of Latvia, PhD from the University of Sussex, formerly a member of the board of the World Federation of Free Latvians, author and translator/ editor/ proofreader from Latvian into English of an eclectic mix of publications of different genres.