How to learn Russian outside of the classroom in Latvia?

If you’ve decided to come to Riga to study Russian, it’s not just to visit a new country, but to practice a language you love with native speakers. If your Russian practice has been limited to books and movies, you might as well stay cozy at home. So, the real question becomes: “How can I practice Russian with native speakers in Latvia?”

Let Go of Preconceptions

Having gained independence after decades of occupation, Latvia places great value on affirming its sovereignty. Some highly patriotic or nationalist individuals may understandably refuse to speak Russian with you. It’s essential to respect everyone’s preferences. However, as you stroll through the city centre, the old town, or sit in any café, you’ll hear Russian spoken everywhere. This is great news; you can interact with almost everyone in Russian! But of course, there are some good rules to follow.

The bar organises some events with a theme, this one was a with theme party

Be Respectful

First, gauge whether the person you’re speaking to is open to conversing in Russian. The easiest way to do this is by politely greeting them—a simple “Здравствуйте” should suffice. If they reply in Russian, you can continue the conversation. If they respond in English or Latvian, don’t insist on speaking Russian—it’s a matter of respect. Persisting could result in them walking away or giving you a few colourful Latvian insults. So, always mind your manners. This rule is particularly important when addressing people who are at work.

Choose Your Conversation Partners Wisely

Be strategic. If your Russian is still at a beginner level, and you lack confidence, it’s better to approach people who have time to spare rather than those who are busy. While you can try speaking Russian with a waiter or cashier, the conversation will likely remain basic since they might be too busy to engage deeply. If your Russian is more advanced, you can afford to joke a little, but it’s best to remain courteous.

There is one good exception: in libraries or record stores, staff are rarely overwhelmed, making these ideal spots for conversation without causing disruption. If the topic of their work aligns with your interests, your interaction is likely to be even more memorable. So, pick a shop that matches your passions to find people who share them.

Be Honest and Creative

This approach is ideal for those seeking a comfortable environment, but maybe for the braver souls among us. Honesty is a highly valued trait in Eastern European cultures, including here. If you appear uncertain or evasive, your conversation partner may view you with suspicion. Similarly, starting a conversation under pretences is a bad idea. While such tactics might be accepted in your home country, they’re a surefire way to be ignored here. Be upfront about your intentions, even if it may be frightening. In a store, for instance, explain that you’re looking for something specific but also that you’re learning Russian and that you prefer to converse in the language, even if it’s challenging.

Talk About What You’re Studying

If you’re studying in a café and hear someone nearby speaking Russian (you’ll usually notice), kindly ask if they speak both English and Russian. As a Russian language student, you’re bound to have questions about certain terms or grammar rules. For example: “Is there a difference between ‘нужно’ and ‘надо’?” or “Why does the bus ‘walk,’ but the car doesn’t ‘walk’?” While it’s likely no one will have a definitive answer to such questions, Russian speakers often become intrigued by them. This can lead to further conversation about why you’re learning Russian, or even things about your life. Ultimately, the topic doesn’t matter as much as practising the language in real-life situations. Practice makes perfect, after all.

Choose the Right Places

It’s also smart to pick locations where people are relaxed, cheerful, and open to chatting. Bars are excellent for this; it’s natural to strike up conversations there. However, avoid the Old Town, as it’s mostly filled with other tourists. The city centre offers more diversity and a mix of locals, including many Russians. The suburbs can also be great spots, especially the Moscow District, though it’s less picturesque.

Pro tip: Find bars where people stand rather than sit in groups—it’s much easier to strike up conversations with those on the move.

Two places worth visiting are the Kaņepes Kultūras Center and Laska V21. The latter is where the Russian-speaking community tends to gather, especially from Thursday evenings onward. Events are often held there, and you can expect to hear Russian 95% of the time (the remaining 5% being either Latvian or English). The former venue is more diverse but also hosts events and attracts a wide variety of people. Visiting these places guarantees opportunities to meet native speakers and practice Pushkin’s language.

Other venues like the Rock Café, Funny Fox, Soda Club, or the Armoury Bar are also popular and frequented by open-minded Russian speakers. These are the places where I’ve personally connected with people to practice Russian, exchanged contacts, and kept conversations going via messaging during my stay.

Dive In!

Follow these tips and take the plunge—if it worked for me, there’s no reason it won’t work for you!

Raffaël, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz Riga