need to know more about Latvia

Hi! My name is Darren and I live in Singapore ( that's in south-east asia ).

I met a Latvian girl some time back, and we got along pretty well. I really like her and she feels the same way. She suggested that I should meet her parents, so I'm planning on it. But, i have a few queries, as to how I should greet her parents. Over here in asia, it's polite to say something like, " Hello uncle/auntie ! ".

Is it okay to say the same in Latvia? Or should it be somewhere along the lines of , eg. " hello Mr and Mrs 'last name' " or just " hello" ?

Also, her mother is russian and father is latvian. Does the general population in latvia dislike russians? Because she told me she does receive some hate because she is half-half.

I would also like to know more of the culture in latvia, if anyone living in latvia can tell me more.

Thanks in advance for all the constructive feedbacks!

Latvia is a beautiful country! and makes delicious chocolates as well.

Thanks for the point of chocolates. Really, i think, too - Laima chocolates are great!

Just say hello and you won't be wrong

Yes, there is a political conflict between Russians and Latvians. In social area, it depends on a person. Some people do not have any kind of national feelings, some do. For you it would be better to keep a neutral position

As about culture. It depends on what kind of culture do you mean. Latvia is a country of multiple cultures mixed

Laima! yes, that's the one!


Oh, a couple more questions just came into my mind.

When visiting, I'm sure its good to bring a gift. I was thinking of bringing something more unique, from Singapore. To show them a little bit of my culture. Would that be okay? Or should I just play it safe and stick to a box of chocolates. What do you think? Will you receive it with awkwardness? ( don't worry its not frog stew or fried insects. )

Also, I saw somewhere that Latvia is very associated with the word, singing. Singing nation, singing revolution, mass singing, etc.. and it's common to sing after every meal? <---is that really true?

Culture, yes, so it's a variety of cultures? I don't really know how best to reply to your statement, " depends on what kind of culture do you mean " . (forgive me if I'm wrong) I was under the impression that there is like an age old tradition that will allow me to identify Latvian culture through a distinct piece of garment or something.

So, it's like Singapore then? Here, we have the Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, and the fusion creates a new Singaporean culture. (its quite messed up, really) can you say the same for Latvian cultures?

Yea, thank you for your time and patience with me. I am trying to learn as much as I can, so I wont be much of a blunder when I'm there.

Kim Jong-nam told u
don't worry
the earth is so big

Of course, showing a peace of your own culture to someone else is always good! I don't think you may go wrong with that. But be careful not to give a scary product.

About singing Latvia... we have an National songs & dance festival, but beyond of that, Latvia appears the same level singing country as many others. No, it's not a tradition to sing after every meal at all. Else it could explode the downtown with caffees, I think

I'm not sure Latvia has a deeply identified culture, because Latvian as a language was formed just about 100-150 years ago. Of course, there are national dress and paintings, and overall, there is a Latvian spirit and Latvian culture, but I wouldn't say they are explicit and rich. So probably I can't help you answering your question

Well, yes! It may closely stand to Singapore. BTW many times I've heard an opinion, that Latvia may become a "European" Singapore in the future. Here we have a mixture of Latvian, Russian, German, Lithuanian and Polish cultures.

You are welcome! We love to answer related questions here

Ah, so that website I saw about Latvian cultures was not that accurate after all.

Latvia now seem much much more interesting than it already is. Thanks to you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ps. Riceholl: I don't quite understand what you are talking about, you seem like a troll. But happy christmas to you anyways.

Thanks for the cheers, same to you! Merry Christmas