THE LATVIAN CULTURE

We are often asked about the culture of Latvia. Some the most obvious differences to us are the ones that probably came about because of Communism and Soviet domination. Now this is strictly unscientific and obviously there are exceptions.

Secrecy is still very much a part of the Latvian daily life. The younger you are the less likely you would do all of the following but it is pretty much the norm regardless of age:

1) Most people do not introduce themselves by their first and last name ... usually only their first names. You may get to know them by their last names after you have established a frienship.

2) Most people are not open about where they work, where they live, etc. For example, your landlord will probably come by and receive the rent money directly from you. He probably will not ask you to bring it by his place of work or his home. (That would allow you to possibly know too much.)

3) Until you are well known to the person, you will not be invited to their home. It is not because they don't like you, it just goes back to the idea of secrecy.

4) You have to be careful about greeting people too warmly that you don't know. Example: in church, a visitor may not feel comfortable with the members asking their name, are they new in the community, etc. We certainly do not have any visitor cards to use for follow-up because that would be too intrusive in their society.

5) In stores, you are almost never asked "May I help you?" by the sales clerk. Sometimes it will not even be acknowledged that you are there. Again, they aren't being rude but they don't want to invade your space by asking questions.

For two Americans that are pretty open, it is hard to understand their way of thinking. But, when you study their history and some of the hardships they encountered you can defintely see how these attitudes inside of their culture have developed.

Sometimes we shake our heads and wonder why they do certain things. Then, someone will patiently explain the background and it doesn't seem as strange anymore. Altough we understand, it does make it difficult for us to move into their culture, develop new friendships and conduct business. It is never easy but at least we are beginning to understand a little more clearly.