CLASS 5 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Latvian: vowel length and spellings that distinguish meaning
How it works
In Latvian, vowel length and certain diacritical marks distinguish meaning. Words can differ only by a macron, for example ‹lapa› (leaf, page) and ‹lāpa› (patch) or ‹saka› (he/she says) and ‹sāka› (he/she began). Correct spelling is important so that the meaning remains clear. Especially important are the long vowels ‹ā, ē, ī, ū›. Spellings such as ‹ie› must also be reproduced correctly; one must not simply add a macron.
Note
In Latvian, the length of vowels must be written correctly with the signs ‹ā, ē, ī, ū›, because it can change the meaning of a word. Short and long vowels are not interchangeable.
In Latvian, the length of vowels must be written correctly with the signs ‹ā, ē, ī, ū›, because it can change the meaning of a word. Short and long vowels are not interchangeable.
An example
Which Latvian word means “leaf” or “page”: ‹lapa› or ‹lāpa›?
‹lapa› is correct. ‹lāpa› is a different word, so the macron changes the meaning.
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Latvian. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.