Vārds. Nozīme. Vārdnīca. Radioklausītajs uztraucas

Latvian Radio offers an exchange of opinions and discussions on various subjects. Channel 1 has a show “Kā labāk dzīvot” (‘How to live better’), which among other issues addresses the use of Latvian. This paper is based on the questions covered in 15 broadcasts of the years 2017–2019. What are the listeners worried about? Usually, it is the question of whether the word or phrase is wrong. Does it correspond to the norms and conventions, can it be found in the dictionaries and how it is defined and explained. There is often a clash of opinions on the use between people of different generations. Many questions relate to grammar norms, their application and explanation. These are issues of declining of proper names, use of singular and plural, and gender. There is much uncertainty about the use of lexis often governed by rigid and conservative views. There seems to be more unanimity on issues of style. The impact of English and separate English loans attract numerous questions. English affects various levels of Latvian today. The paper views phonetic, morphological, lexical, phraseological, and syntactic influence. Lexical impact of English is the one felt most: nonce words, loans, translation loans, idioms can be met in both translated and original texts. A semantic broadening of many Latvian terms under the influence of English is widespread, often without any need and additional stylistic value. Borrowed synonyms for Latvian words are in no way detrimental, but they should not oust Latvian words. Many listeners enjoy the opportunity of gaining knowledge on the use of Latvian and thus improving their language competence. We cannot and should not try to control the development of the language, but every speaker can contribute to its perfection, enrichment, and innovation.