Baltic States outperform the rest of Europe in dealing with the Coronavirus crisis

The world is currently facing the worst public health and economic crisis in a century. As of 20th June 2020, around 463,000 people had died from Covid-19 across the globe. Many countries responded swiftly to the crisis and took action whilst countries like the United States failed to act and are now experiencing the devastating results. All countries need to strengthen the resilience of their health systems and prevention programs. Estonia ranks number 5 in dealing with the COVID19 pandemic among OECD members, according to the Sustainable Development Report 2020. Well done.

You can read the full report here: Sustainable Development Report 2020

How to make Estonia rye bread from a starter (DIY- Cooking with Tammo)

I thought I would share this video today as it shows how Estonians living abroad (Canada in this case) continue to keep Estonian traditions alive in their adopted homeland. I quite enjoyed watching this video as I picked up a few tips. Thanks Tammo! 

Tallinn University Study: Why do we speak 'Estonglish'?

Helin Kask, a doctoral student at Tallinn University recently completed a study of the linguistic changes in Estonia. Kask reports that the Estonian language has changed throughout history and had most contact with both the Russian and German languages, but after Estonia regained independence, the language has been busy incorporating more words from the West where the influence of the English language, in particular, has begun to increase. The Internet plays a big role here, Kask states.

In her study Kask found the definition of a word is the main the reason why English words and phrases are used in Estonian. This is mostly because words and expressions with a specific meaning often do not have an exact match in Estonian. 

For example, it is difficult to find a one-word match for the English word "outfit", because in Estonian it is "riietus" (English: clothing) which, unlike the English word, does not include accessories, shoes, etc.

English discourse particles are also trending in Estonia to express emotion. Expressions such  as 'oh my god'  (jumal küll), "anyway" (igatahes), "last but not least" (viimaks), or "whatever" (mida iganes) are becoming more popular. Also, words with a strong emotional connection are often borrowed from English, e.g. "I'm so excited"(erutatud), or "I love it!" (ma armastan seda).

These changes in the Estonian language is a reflection of globalisation, the era in which we live and the ubiquity of the English language. 

Go Baltic shopping with Nord Haus

I recently found this website and was pleased to discover another Baltic design house in the market. Nord Haus produces a range of homewares including linen and ceramics using Nordic and Baltic designs. Part of the latest range uses designs from Muhu, Poide-Saaremaa and Kolga-Jaani in Estonia, along with prints from Krustpils and Rucava in Latvia.

You can browse the Nord Haus website here.

Head võidupüha ja head Jaanipäeva!

If you live in Estonia then you are lucky. You have a two-day public holiday. For the rest of us Estonians living abroad, it's work as usual but there's sure to be some celebrations tonight for Jaanipäev. This evening I will have Estonian food on my table, Estonian music playing and the beloved blue, black and white flag on display. Jaanipäev is one of the most important days on the Estonian calendar and Estonians everywhere will be enjoying themselves tonight!

Happy Jaanipäev everyone!

Where to find War of Independence monuments in Estonia

In honour of Victory Day (Võidupüha) that is celebrated in Estonia on June 23, the Land Board has released a comphrensive list of where to find war monuments. The online portal is easy to use and allows you to zoom in to street view. The map of monuments can be accessed here.

Victory Day marks the decisive battle during the Estonian War of Independence that saw the defeat of German forces in 1919 who sought to re-assert control over the region. Victory Day is a public holiday in Estonia featuring a military parade rotating to different parts of the country each year.

Tallinn is open and awaits you!

Countries in Europe are slowly opening their borders and allowing visitors to enter but we still need to be vigilant regarding the coronavirus. The pandemic is not over yet. Estonia now permits many foreign nationals to enter the country without the need for quarantine. Now is a good time to start thinking about you next trip to Estonia! I sure am!