Speaking language in Latvia

must I speak latvian if I travel to Latvia, or it is enaugh I do speak english ?

I would say not everybody understands English in Latvia. Most likely in the center shops or restaurants, sellers and waiters know English, but definitely not all of them.

If you ask on the street the young people, most likely half of them would help you.

In general, in Latvia people understand mostly two languages - Latvian and Russian.

So I'm afraid it's not really enaugh if you know English, specially at that middle level

ramses,most latvians i came across speaks or understand english so some extent like an italian or spaniard or any other non english speaking european countries....that means most people understand the basic in english .i spent almost two weeks there and just returned back home only 8 days ago...i am a finn from finland and the same level of english in my country is the same in latvia..which means most and lots of people understand and speak the basic in english,so i guess if you are a native speaker and very smart with understanding people,you will sure make your way across with most people you will meet in latvia...goodluck and all the best

thank you for information and rateing my english skills .I´ve been working in great britain over 3 years and I had never a situation of language problem. I have understood always british people and made understandable myself so I think I know english quite well, the problem is maybe because I do speak british english, wich we don´t learn at scools around here. But let it be, from the second side I know russian also and I think I will be allright. All the best for both of you too and case closed

psammy
If that's no big secret, what were the exact places you came across?

Once I was in Helsinki and I was really surprised sellers in some local (not tourist) shops know only basic English. When I purchased something, I was forced to explain what I want drawing it on the list of paper.

I've met quite few people in Latvia who didn't know English as well, in some shops. Most probably you didn't leave the Old Riga, but that's true - everybody knows English in the center of the Capital, I could not say the same about local districts...

some latvians also understand german
it is really easy to communicate with people there.
they are always trying to understand you and to answer.

just curious: Latvia has a different language from Lithuania and Estonia?

I can say, latvian and estonian are totaly different, but latvian and lithuanian are maybe a little similar

you are saying wrong,Latvian,Lithuinian,and Estonian are all totally different languages,with only few words the same.I am Latvian,and i know Lithuinian as well,and a bit of Estonian..
So here u go..

i will start to russian courses 20 days later.does everyone able to speak russian in latvia ?