Estonia’s large Russian-speaking minority used to be taught in Russian. The government has responded to Russia’s invasion with a reform to end this. Now, lessons will only be taught in Estonian.

  • magnetosphere@fedia.io
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    2 days ago

    Estonia has a two-tiered education system. As mentioned in the video, in the Russian-speaking schools, students don’t perform nearly as well as in the Estonian-speaking schools. I’m optimistic that eliminating the language barrier would solve that, and students would be better off.

    Also, in Estonia, the Russian-speaking group is a limited number of students (unlike in America, where there’s a regular, constant influx of migrants). The transition will be difficult, but at least the problem has an end in sight, and it’s only a generation or two away. In America, it would go on forever, which is why I wouldn’t support it in the U.S.

    • NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      2 days ago

      Also, in Estonia, the Russian-speaking group is a limited number of students (unlike in America, where there’s a regular, constant influx of migrants).

      Uh… what the shit? That is your problem? Would you support it if Israel suddenly said they’d stop Arabic language education?

      The transition will be difficult

      Transition to what? The fundamental problem with this sort of de-Russification plan (and let’s be clear here the reason is de-Russification) is that… wiping out minority cultures is a bad thing, not that the “transition” is hard. And to make matters worse this is an ideological kneejerk meant to make a statement, not something done to improve these kids’ education; I’m not expecting a disaster on the level of Canadian residential schools but this is not good.

      • magnetosphere@fedia.io
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        0
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        2 days ago

        Would you support it if Israel suddenly said they’d stop Arabic language education?

        No, primarily because it’s Arabic land that was carved up by Europeans after WWII. I’m generally in favor of restoring and preserving native rights and culture.

        Transition to what?

        As I said, an improved education system and less divided society.

        The fundamental problem with this sort of de-Russification plan (and let’s be clear here the reason is de-Russification)

        Neither the video nor I am talking about a large-scale cultural change. Besides, the Estonians are the natives. Less than a hundred years ago, Russia made them a satellite country and treated native Estonians like second class citizens. Putin has used the existence of Russian culture as an excuse to invade other countries. If this is indeed part of a de-Russification plan, Estonia is only doing it to prevent being invaded and wiped out.

        Wiping out cultures is a bad thing, right? Russia already has their own country. Their culture is safe.