Language podcast “Pieturzīmes” by Aiga Veckalne gains popularity in Latvia

November 9, 2021

Aiga Veckalne, a guest lecturer and research assistant at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, has created a language podcast called “Pieturzīmes” and social media posts on language–related topics. These activities have gained significant popularity not only among Latvian language experts but also among students and many Latvian speakers. Nearly five thousand people now follow her posts and updates on social media.

 

The podcast aims to highlight the richness and beauty of the Latvian language, its usage, and its speakers across various fields, emphasizing that language can be refined in an engaging way and applied in any sector.

 

At first, the podcast may seem like it is just about grammar rules and punctuation, but in fact it features guests from various professions, such as writers, social media creators, journalists, teachers, translators, musicians, foreigners who have learned Latvian, politicians, and others who use the language in their everyday lives. The most frequently discussed topics include translation, linguistics, inclusive language, spelling, language technologies, fluency, writing, and various languages. As a result, even those who are only slightly familiar with punctuation will find something interesting and engaging.

 

Aiga has been interested in the Latvian language for a long time. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Baltic philology and a master’s degree in business administration (EMBA). For nearly 15 years, Aiga managed the language services company “Skrivanek” in several countries. The idea for the Latvian podcast came to her while working at the University of Washington in Seattle, USA. She is currently studying in the doctoral study programme in linguistics at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and working as a research assistant and guest lecturer at the Faculty of Translation Studies. She also runs the company “Pieturzīmes” and translates and edits texts. In addition, there are social media posts on language topics, articles on news portal “Delfi” and other publications, as well as various seminars and workshops on business correspondence, written communication, marketing copywriting, and more. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, as well as getting lost in TV series and books.

 

Of course, “Pieturzīmes” wouldn’t be the same without its inspiring and amazing guests. The most popular episodes so far include those with a rap musician ansis (episode No. 25), professor at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Juris Baldunčiks (episode No. 14), linguists Evelīna Zilgalve and Jānis Veckrācis (episode No. 2), comedian Džemma Sudraba (episode No. 18), professor at Liepāja University Linda Lauze (episode No. 23), and others. When asked about the most memorable insights and people she would like to have a conversation with, Aiga mentions Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, Jānis Krīvēns (Krivenchy), Sandra Glāzupa, and Jānis Skutelis. One particularly memorable insight comes from Gatis Zamurs, who said: “When you do something publicly, there will always be someone who doesn’t like it, who will criticize, or who will have an opinion about it.” It’s the price that must be paid, and it’s not a high price, because the most important thing is to keep going and not stop.

 

Aiga encourages everyone who uses the Latvian language daily to practice their language skills just like any other, and to be mindful when speaking – choosing the most accurate and fitting words. She emphasizes avoiding unnecessary influences from other languages and embracing the richness of the Latvian language!

The podcast can be listened to for free on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

 

Share on other platforms

Other news

Language Cafe – exchange of cultures and languages

By Rota Rulle • September 29, 2025
If you want to feel at home faster in our city of Ventspils and like to build your confidence in everyday conversations, and looking to make friends and integrate into the Latvian community, then join the first Language Café meeting – organized by COLOURS WP5 (EDI)! It’s a relaxed and welcoming meet-up where international and local students come together to: Practice different languages Make new friends Enjoy light snacks and friendly conversations No grammar tests, no pressure – just real conversations in small, friendly groups. Come as you are and enjoy the exchange of cultures and languages! Register HERE Tuesday, 30th September at D0, 16.30!

COLOURS alliance’s greeting on the European Day of Languages

By Rota Rulle • September 26, 2025
Approximately 700 million Europeans are constantly encouraged throughout their lives to learn as many languages as possible – whether in educational institutions, through self-study, for professional purposes, or out of personal interest. The Council of Europe states that multilingualism is a means to foster better intercultural understanding and is a key component of our continent’s cultural heritage. Representatives from the language centres of the COLOURS European Universities Alliance* joined forces in a collaborative project, creating a video greeting in honour of the European Day of Languages, celebrated annually on September 26. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is represented in this team by Rūta Maltisova, lecturer at the Faculty of Translation Studies, who also took part in the creation of the video greeting. Rūta is currently working together with colleagues from all COLOURS partner universities on a virtual language and culture guide – a glossary and language learning materials – which are planned to be developed and made available to all partner universities by the European Day of Languages in 2026. This initiative aims to support students and lecturers in learning and teaching nine European languages and cultures: Swedish, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Latvian, Polish, Croatian, and Macedonian. At the end of the video, greetings can be heard in each of the COLOURS alliance member languages, all translating into English as “Happy European Day of Languages!” or in Latvian, “Priecīgu Eiropas valodu dienu!” On the European Day of Languages, Rūta Maltisova encourages everyone to remember that languages are like bridges connecting different cultures. Without them, we would only be able to observe each other from a safe distance, separated by a potential barrier of prejudice that prevents us from understanding the essence and values of another culture. By learning a language, we also learn about the culture – and, in doing so, we learn about one another. Thanks to the COLOURS Universities Alliance, we learn something new every day about each other’s cultures, values, and, undoubtedly, languages. *Le Mans University (France), University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), University of Ferrara (Italy), Paderborn University (Germany), Jan Dlugosz University (Poland), Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek (Croatia), University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia), Kristianstad University (Sweden), and Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia).

Visit of the University of Latvia Faculty of Exact Sciences and Technology to Ventspils University of Applied Sciences

By Rota Rulle • September 25, 2025
On 24 September 2025, a delegation from the University of Latvia Faculty of Science and Technology (UL FST) visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS). The UL delegation included FST Dean Aigars Ekers, Acting Vice-Dean for Science Sandris Lācis, Vice-Dean for Studies Aiga Švede, Vice-Dean for Development Diāna Šmite, and Head of the Department of Physics Tija Sīle. VUAS and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) were represented by Rector Andris Vaivads, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology Vairis Caune, Head of the Doctoral School Lilita Sproģe, Chairman of the VUAS Senate and, at the same time, Chairman of the VIRAC Scientific Council Juris Freimanis, along with other researchers and teaching staff. The visit began with a trip to the VIRAC radio telescope complex in Irbene, where senior researcher Artis Aberfelds introduced the guests to the telescopes, associated equipment, and laboratories, and their use in astronomical observations. After a joint lunch at VUAS café Panorāma, Jānis Šate showed the guests the university's electronics teaching laboratories and their equipment. The event reached a productive apogee in a joint discussion lasting around two hours in the VUAS Rectorate conference hall. At its opening, Rector Andris Vaivads gave a presentation about VUAS, followed by a presentation by, Juris Kalvāns, Head of the VIRAC Astronomy and Astrophysics Department, about the main research directions in VIRAC astronomy, while researcher Vladislavs Bezrukovs outlined VIRAC's extensive international cooperation, particularly its participation in European Research Infrastructure Consortia (ERIC). “The event reached a productive apogee in a joint discussion lasting around two hours in the VUAS Rectorate conference hall, where Rector Andris Vaivads gave a presentation about VUAS.” The discussion covered a range of topics related to science and studies. Both sides expressed interest in officially involving VUAS in the UL Master’s programme in Physics, alongside Daugavpils University. VIRAC researchers already teach several astronomy courses within this programme. The potential involvement of the VIRAC high-performance computing cluster in a new computing consortium, where UL is expected to take the leading role, was also discussed. Looking further ahead, UL is also interested in gaining access to VIRAC satellite communication abilities. Finally, the UL–VUAS cooperation agreement is to be renewed, including matters of collaboration in doctoral studies and research, as well as Latvia’s participation in the International Astronomical Union. The meeting took place in a frendly atmosphere, giving confidence in the successful continuation of cooperation between UL and VUAS.

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences launches project to modernize study environment

By Rota Rulle • September 9, 2025
On September 1 of this year, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences launched a new European Union (EU) co-funded project “Modernization of the Study Environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007. The project implementation period is 24 months, until August 31, 2027. The project aims to ensure the modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, which includes the improvement and development of the infrastructure of the bachelor's study program "Computer Science" and the professional bachelor's study program "Electronics Engineering". To ensure high-quality and competitive education, targeted measures will be implemented within the project framework, focusing on the technological modernization of study spaces, enhancing the material and technical base, and introducing information and communication technologies (ICT). These engineering and IT programs are strategically important for the sustainable economic growth of the Ventspils region and the entire country of Latvia, preparing highly qualified specialists to promote digital transformation and technological development. During the project, the infrastructure of laboratories and classrooms will be enhanced to ensure that study rooms are equipped with the latest technologies and meet the standards of modern higher education. The latest technologies and equipment will be purchased and introduced, significantly expanding students' opportunities to work with current industry tools and software, thereby preparing them to work with technologies widely used in the industry. In addition, it is planned to continue adapting the digital infrastructure to modern requirements, allowing for the implementation of the hybrid and distance learning process in accordance with current educational trends. The modernization carried out will significantly improve the quality of studies and compliance with labour market requirements, providing students with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and adapt to the growing requirements of the industry. This project will not only improve the study environment and promote the integration of innovations into the learning process, but will also contribute to the development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences as a higher education and research center in Latvia and beyond, attracting students from the region and the country, as well as from abroad. The total cost of the project “Modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007, is 215,083.00 EUR, of which the planned amount of the European Regional Development Fund is 85% of the eligible expenses – 182,820.55 EUR, and the amount of state funding is 15% of the eligible costs – 32,262.45 EUR.

VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths

By Martina Bertāne • September 3, 2025
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths: Ventspils, Latvia |September 8–19, 2025 This intensive and inspiring summer school is designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. The event is hosted by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Key Topics: Pulsar observations with the LOFAR telescope Pulsar astronomy fundamentals Observation planning Pulsar data processing and analysis Venue: Engineering Research Institute – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Room 407

An online seminar Effective monitoring of environmental and animal welfare farms will take place

By Rota Rulle • August 25, 2025
The Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre, in cooperation with project partners, one of which is Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, invites you to an online opening seminar on August 27 at 10:00 AM on the new My Farm livestock section, which helps to: accumulate and analyze farm data, monitor animal welfare, plan work and make data-driven decisions, save time in preparing reports. At the seminar: You will learn how this idea originated and why it remains relevant today. You will hear about the experiences and benefits of experts for Latvian livestock farmers. You will see a practical demonstration of how to use the tool on your farm. You will receive answers to your important questions. Questions can be asked in the comments during the live broadcast. Live on Facebook profiles @LLKCOzolnieki and @Manslauks, as well as www.llkc.lv Link to the event: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1290216356070792 The event is a part of the project No.: 21-00-A01611-000017 "Efficient Environmental and Animal Welfare Farm Monitoring". Project Objective: The long-term goal is to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the Latvian livestock sector, in line with the guidelines of the European Green Deal. In recent years, global environmental and climate issues have become increasingly relevant, and it can be assumed that in the future, consumers will demand products produced in an environmentally friendly manner. These future challenges compel farmers to reassess their current management practices and explore environmental and sustainability issues. To achieve this goal, an innovative farm monitoring system will be developed for the livestock sector, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis in one place. This system will promote compliance with animal welfare requirements, facilitate sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and enable the monitoring of daily activities, ultimately reducing the time spent on preparing various reports.
Other news