We know Estonia
14.3.2023 | Culture

Today is Native Language Day – 243 different languages are spoken in Estonia as a mother tongue

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Arno Mikkor / Vabariigi Presidendi Kantselei

Today is Native Language Day – 243 different languages are spoken in Estonia as a mother tongue

 

Today is Native Language Day (emakeelepäeval, in Estonian). As well as Estonian and Russian, a total of 241 other languages are spoken as a mother tongue by residents of the country. To mark the day, a reading marathon is taking place at the President’s Palace in Tallinn.

According to data from the latest census, Estonian is spoken as a mother tongue by 67 per cent, and as a foreign language by 17 per cent of the population. Therefore, a total of 84 per cent of the population speaks Estonian. However, this is just the tip of the language iceberg in the country.

“While a total of 109 different mother tongues were counted in the 2000 census, a decade later, in 2011, there were 157 of them, and as many as 243 in the 2021 census,” explained Henry Lass, an analyst at Statistics Estonia.

According to the census, 3,879 people in Estonia speak English as their mother tongue, while Chinese is spoken as a native language by 419, Hindi by 630, Spanish by 1,378, and French by 1,424 people living here. Of the new languages added to the list since the last census in 2011, the languages with the most speakers include Iranian (62), Niger-Kordofanian (20), Sindhi (19), and Mandar (15).

“The oldest languages spoken as mother tongues in Estonia are Egyptian, Hebrew, and Tamil. 21 people are native speakers of Egyptian, while Hebrew is the mother tongue of 79 and Tamil of 124 people,” Lass added.

In the latest census, inhabitants were also given an opportunity to indicate two mother tongues. It turned out that there are a total of 30,710 people with two native languages in Estonia, or about 2 per cent of the population.

“The largest number of people – 18,160 – declared Estonian and Russian as their two mother tongues. The second most common combination of two mother tongues, Estonian and English, was indicated by 1,220 people,” said Lass.

To mark Native Language Day, a reading marathon is taking place at the president’s palace in Tallinn. The reading marathon, which kicked off at dawn and will end at sunset, will see 70 well-known public figures read Estonian texts that have a strong meaning for them.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
English Estonian Languages in Estonia Mother Tongue Mother Tongues Estonia Native Language Day Native Language Day Estonia Russian

28.3.2023 | Culture

Arvo Pärt wins prestigious Polar Music Prize

Arvo Pärt wins prestigious Polar Music Prize

The Polar Music Prize, Sweden’s most important music prize, was awarded this year to Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, Benin … Read more

27.3.2023 | Culture

Example (UK) and Netsky (BEL) to perform at Võsu Beach Festival this summer

Example (UK) and Netsky (BEL) to perform at Võsu Beach Festival this summer

Võsu Beach Festival (Võsu Rannafestival), which has grown into one of the most important summer events in Estonia, has … Read more

22.3.2023 | Culture

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra to perform in Tallinn on May 9

Eurovision winners Kalush Orchestra to perform in Tallinn on May 9

On Europe Day on May 9, a concert will be held in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. … Read more

16.3.2023 | Culture

New observation deck and glass elevator have opened at Niguliste Church in Tallinn

New observation deck and glass elevator have opened at Niguliste Church in Tallinn

The long-awaited glass elevator and new skydeck have now opened in the historic church tower of the Niguliste Museum … Read more

15.3.2023 | Culture

Tallinn Music Week announces its full program for this year’s festival – 176 artists from 41 countries will perform

Tallinn Music Week announces its full program for this year’s festival – 176 artists from 41 countries will perform

The popular Tallinn Music Week (TMW), which will be held this year from May 10-14, has announced its full … Read more

8.3.2023 | Culture

Swedish band Mustasch will return to Estonia on September 13

Swedish band Mustasch will return to Estonia on September 13

On September 13, one of the best live bands in the world, Mustasch, will perform in Tallinn. A very … Read more

6.3.2023 | Culture

camera icon8
A celebratory exhibition of a respected interior designer has opened in the center of Tallinn

A celebratory exhibition of a respected interior designer has opened in the center of Tallinn

Last week, an exhibition honouring the 81st birthday of celebrated Estonian interior and furniture designer Maile Grünberg opened in … Read more

5.3.2023 | Culture

camera icon8
Victoria Olt Gallery celebrates its first birthday with a glamorous spring exhibition

Victoria Olt Gallery celebrates its first birthday with a glamorous spring exhibition

On Friday, a new spring exhibition entitled “Naissance II” opened at the Victoria Olt Gallery in Tallinn. Various styles … Read more