Vilnius is a city open to the world and unimaginable without the Lithuanian language, but this has not always been the case.
In the 13th and 15th centuries, when the Lithuanians created their own state – the only Balts to do so – the Lithuanian language was only an oral language. Correspondence with Western Europe was in Latin and with Eastern Europe in Old Church Slavic. Written Lithuanian emerged around the 16th century, while the standardised form of Lithuanian was established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Before it became what it is today, the Lithuanian language had a difficult journey. Vilnius is one of the most important stops on the way along this path. In this city, great efforts have been made to consolidate the Lithuanian language in everyday and official life, to legalise and preserve it. Everything is important – Lithuanian prayers, grammars, dictionaries, newspapers, learning and educational institutions, libraries, and people dedicated to the language. As we walk the Path of Language, let us find the inspiration to know Lithuanians a bit better, as well as their language and the capital city.
What will you learn/see on this route?
– What is the connection between Martynas Mažvydas and Odessa?
– What vows did Simonas Daukantas take and where?
– Which famous politician is Jonas Jablonskis’ grandfather?
– Under what circumstances did President Antanas Smetona meet his future wife?
