This article describes two projects created by the Livonian Institute at the University of Latvia to promote Livonian language learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The value and role of digital solutions increased during this period, becoming a part of every aspect of daily life. Despite the circumstances created by the pandemic, there have also been positive developments for language learning and endangered language maintenance. The pandemic seems to have prompted a change in perspective on Livonian language preservation as well as its role and function. This shift convinced the Livonian community as well as the broader society that Livonian — despite its small number of speakers— deserves the same opportunities as every other language. In this context, two new Livonian language learning projects are discussed: (1) online Livonian language lessons originally developed as an instructional module for schools, which was the first time in history that Livonian was included in a Latvian school curriculum; and (2) the next step in language-learning basics: a series of songs written by Livonian authors intended for children and young people. These initiatives show that in a difficult situation, a flexible approach and creative solutions can place even a small language on a more equal footing when competing with larger languages.

https://doi.org/10.33063/diva-472017