Latvia, a country with a rich cultural tapestry, has its own unique language filled with words that carry special significance, especially in the media landscape. Understanding these terms can greatly enhance your comprehension of Latvian news and current affairs. Here are some key Latvian terms used in the media, along with their definitions and examples of how they’re used in sentences.

Ziņas
This term translates to “news” and is a central element in any media discussion. ‘Ziņas’ refers to the information about recent events or happenings, usually broadcasted on TV, radio, or published in newspapers and online.

Katru vakaru es skatos ziņas, lai uzzinātu par dienas notikumiem.

Raksts
‘Raksts’ means “article” and represents any piece of writing on a specific topic within newspapers, magazines, or online platforms.

Vakar es izlasīju interesantu rakstu par globālo sasilšanu.

Komentārs
This translates to “comment” or “remark” and is used to describe a statement or opinion about a particular issue in the media. ‘Komentārs’ can appear in written form under articles or spoken during TV and radio programs.

Zem raksta bija daudzi asprātīgi komentāri.

Viedoklis
‘Viedoklis’ means “opinion” or “viewpoint,” often expressed by journalists, experts, or the public concerning various topics in media.

Šajā diskusijā katram ir savs viedoklis par nodokļu likmēm.

Saite
The term “saite” refers to a “link,” particularly a hyperlink on a website that directs you to another page or resource, often used in digital media.

Ziņu portālā bija saite uz pilno interviju ar politiķi.

Galvenais virsraksts
‘Galvenais virsraksts’ translates to “headline” and is the leading title of a news story or article that summarizes its main points and attracts the reader’s attention.

Galvenais virsraksts šodienas avīzē bija par ekonomisko krīzi.

Tiešraide
This word, meaning “live broadcast,” refers to content broadcasted in real-time over television, radio, or the internet.

Miljoniem cilvēku visā pasaulē skatījās futbola spēles tiešraidi.

Redaktors
A ‘redaktors’ is an “editor,” an individual who is responsible for reviewing and making changes to texts or articles before publication.

Redaktors mainīja raksta virsrakstu, lai tas būtu precīzāks.

Intervija
An ‘intervija’ is an “interview” – a conversation where questions are asked to elicit information from a guest or an expert, commonly found in various media formats.

Žurnālists uzdeva grūtus jautājumus politiķim laikā, kad notika intervija.

Ārštata korespondents
An ‘ārštata korespondents’ is a “freelance correspondent” or reporter who is not permanently attached to any single media outlet, contributing reports from various locations.

Ārštata korespondents ziņoja par protestiem, kas notika centrālajā laukumā.

Understanding these terms will not only help with your Latvian language skills but also provide a deeper insight into Latvian media and current events. Keep practicing by reading articles, watching the news, and engaging with different forms of Latvian media.