The International Linguistics Olympiad will be held in Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) from July 19th to July 23rd. The organisers chose Ventspils as the best location for the Olympiad already in 2020; however, the pandemic forced it to be postponed for a year. 31 teams from 27 countries applied to prove their linguistic abilities. Even though the restrictions change and face-to-face events can occur this summer, traveling remains difficult. Because of that, the participants will not enjoy the summer in Ventspils and will do the tasks remotely. International Linguistics Olympiad is one of the 17 International Science Olympiads.

During the Olympiad, participants will have to take two tests – individual and in teams. Both tests’ tasks are prepared interdisciplinary. Participants must have an excellent linguistic understanding and reasoning to come to the correct answer. The working language of the Olympiad is English. However, students will not be tested on their knowledge of English or any other commonly used language. For example, one of the tasks in the last Olympiad was in Swahili, and participants had to translate words from this language. When evaluating the performance, the judges take into account the explanation, which is why even correct guesses have to be explained.

Latvian teams have participated in the Olympiad multiple times, including in the Republic of Korea in 2019. VUAS Faculty of Translation Studies assoc. Professor Guntars Dreijers was together in this Olympiad with the team. In the individual test Riga State Gymnasium No. 1, student Nestors Starostins earned a bronze medal. Latvia has earned two gold medals, two silver, and ten bronze medals since 2003 when the Linguistic Olympiad was first held.

While organising this year’s Olympiad, VUAS is creating an entertaining opening ceremony for the participants with the chance to get to know Latvia, Ventspils, and VUAS through a video. An exciting social program is also planned for the Olympiad week. 

This year the International Linguistics Olympiad will be held for the 18th time. It is intended to take place in the Isle of Man in 2022.