Between 165,000 and 200,000 Estonians are estimated to live outside the country right now, making around 15-20 percent of the total number of Estonians. With many communities being found worldwide, both in English-speaking countries and beyond, ERR News, in conjunction with the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni Sihtasutus), has launched a weekly Global Estonian Report, which will give a weekly window into Estonian communities and culture from around the globe.
Mother Tongue Day (Emakeelepäev), first recognized as a national holiday in 1999, will be celebrated on March 14. It marks the birthday of Kristjan Jaak Peterson, one of the founding fathers of Estonian poetic tradition. And with COVID-related lockdowns happening in Estonia and abroad, here are some Estonian language opportunities, events, and competitions to keep you occupied…
From Friday (February 12) Enn Lillemets film Betti Alver. Uks on irvakil about poet Betti Alver, can be seen in cinemas.
Lillemets film is about her close friend and mental mentor the poet Betti Alver (1906-1989). The director shows Alver through her memories and creations and actress Saara Nüganen, poets Viivi Luik, Eeva Park and Mats Traat go on the journey with Lillemets.
Alver was one of Estonia s most notable poets and translators and she was among the first generation to be educated in school during independent Estonia. Alver made her debut in 1927 with the short story Liivi Deevidiivi and with her work Tuularmmuke she won 2nd prize at the Nature novel competition. Alver began publishing verses in 1931 and some of her best-known poems are The Story of the White Crow , Wax Doll , Pear Tree and Crispy Mirror .