Aiga Veckalne Receives the First Language Award in Latvia
February 4, 2025
On February 1st, at the language festival “Avots”, the first Language Award in Latvia was presented. The idea of a special Language Award was realized by the cultural venue “Valodu māja” and the creator of the language festival “Avots”, linguist Snorre Karkkonen Svensson, inspired by Nordic language festivals. The first Language Award in Latvia was received by linguist Aiga Veckalne, as a thank you for her contribution to Latvian society to make it better and more inclusive.
“When we visited language festivals in our northern neighboring countries, we noticed that they award a prize for promoting positive change through language. It is received by people who have done something good in the language field – for example, a journalist who has used a less-used language on national television or radio, a doctor or a teacher who has nurtured language in their work”, says the creator of the language festival “Avots”, Snorre Karkkonen Svensson.
“Aiga Veckalne directly advocates for respectful attitudes towards everyone through and with language, strengthening an inclusive attitude and supporting societal diversity, where each of us can provide our unique contribution. She is a linguist who looks at the Latvian language through the prism of humanity, so that each of us can not only communicate basic needs in Latvian but also more precisely express our identity and get to know others”, continues Karkkonen Svensson.
Aiga Veckalne is a linguist, book translator and editor, and guest lecturer at Ventspils University of Applied Science and Riga Stradiņš University, and a practitioner of simple and inclusive communication. She is also the creator of the popular Instagram account @pieturzimes, where she shares useful language tips and encourages discussions about language development. Inclusive Language Guide, developed by Aiga Veckalne helps everyone create communication that promotes diversity and makes information understandable to all.
“Inclusive language is much more than just words – it is an opportunity for everyone to feel understood and accepted. It has always been important to me to take care of clear, comprehensible, and accessible language. This award confirms how important it is to care about the Latvian language and the people who use it. I hope it will inspire others to create a more open and inclusive society”, said Aiga Veckalne, receiving the award.
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