Scholar at Tartu University Secures Latvian-Estonian Languages Honors

Each year, the Languages Award, jointly presented by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Estonia, has been awarded. This year, the honor goes to Karl Pajusalu, a professor at Tartu University, known for his work in linguistics and poetry, as announced...

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2025 September 5 . 2:15 PM

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Scholar from Tartu University honored with the Latvian-Estonian Languages Prize

Scholar at Tartu University Secures Latvian-Estonian Languages Honors

Latvia and Estonia Honour Karl Pajusalu with Languages Award

The Languages Award, a prestigious accolade established by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Estonia, was presented this year to Professor Karl Pajusalu during the LAMPA Conversation Festival in Cēsis. The award, which aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries by promoting the learning and use of their languages, and the activity of translators, comes with a value of 5,000 euros.

The presentation was conducted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže, and her Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna. Pajusalu was chosen as the recipient of the Languages Award due to his significant contributions to promoting the Latvian and Estonian languages, as well as his efforts in preserving and revitalizing the Livonian language.

Pajusalu, a Professor of History and Dialects of the Estonian Language at the University of Tartu since 2000, is believed to be the only contemporary poet writing in the now-extinct Salaca Livonian language. He has authored three books of poetry in this language: "Salats joug kolm aģa" (2013), "Toini Sina" (2013), and "Ēzkyrdiz vīzd" (2023).

In addition to his poetic works, Pajusalu has contributed to the preservation and promotion of the Livonian language by producing educational materials, participating in cultural events, and collaborating with linguistic organizations to raise awareness and support for the language's revitalization. This dedication to preserving the Livonian language is evident in his work with Prof. Eberhard Winkler, with whom he compiled a Salaca Livonian language dictionary in 2009.

Pajusalu's commitment to the languages of Latvia and Estonia extends beyond the Livonian language. He lectures on Estonian at the University of Latvia and has had his poems translated into both Estonian and Latvian. He is also a member of the board of directors of the International Society of Livonian Friends.

This year marks the 15th presentation of the Languages Award, an initiative that reflects the strong cultural ties between Latvia and Estonia. The equal contributions from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries ensure that this award continues to honour those who make significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of the languages and cultures of Latvia and Estonia.