Join us for learning or practicing Estonian!
The information on registering for the events can be found in the calendar.
Participation is free of charge.
Join us for learning or practicing Estonian!
The information on registering for the events can be found in the calendar.
Participation is free of charge.
This year, once again, films being showcased in the Matsalu Nature Film Festival will be able to be seen in Narva. The best nature films and documentaries from the last two years will give audiences the chance to experience the breathtaking beauty and order of the natural world, to appreciate the efforts that people around the globe are making to commune with nature and to give some thought to topical environmental issues. This year’s films place us in the snowshoes of a reindeer herder in the Siberian wilderness, put us on the path of wild horses on the Hungarian steppes, ponder the loss of bees from Sichuan province in Western China and deposit us as dragonflies above the waters of the Oker River in Germany’s Harz Mountains.
The screenings will be preceded and followed by discussions in Estonian of the topics they cover, with experts commenting on what we have seen and answering our questions.
Note: The films will only be subtitled in Estonian. The predominant language of the films is English, but other languages include Russian and Chinese.
23 September | 17:00 | When the Snow Melts Down (Когда тает снег)
Russia | 2021 | 63 mins| Watch the trailer
Original language(s): English • Russian • Italian | Subtitles: Estonian
This film follows, in parallel, the lives of a reclusive reindeer herder and his daughter in Rome, giving us their thoughts on life and the ties that bind us.
Registratsion: https://forms.gle/vpJSEGU8A9uVrHLp7
23 September | 19:00 | Wild Horses – A Tale from the Puszta
Germany • Austria • Hungary | 2021 | 88 mins| Watch the trailer
Original language(s): English | Subtitles: Estonian
Through the eyes of a little foal named Dot, this film provides an insight into the lives on the Hungarian steppes of the Przewalski’s horse, the only remaining truly wild horse in the world.
Registration: https://forms.gle/KkqmeAF9QUZHknWx5
24 September | 17:00 | Earth: Muted
Sweden | 2021 | 70 mins | Watch the trailer
Original language(s): Chinese | Subtitles: Estonian
This film focusses on three farming families in the Hanyuan valley in the Chinese province of Sichuan as they struggle to make a life for themselves and future generations in conditions that are seeing the local bee population decimated by pesticides.
Registration: https://forms.gle/98cSPqSTJ9fB19XV8
24 September | 19:00 | My Dragon River (Im Reich der Auen - die Oker)
Germany | 2021 | 52 mins
Original language(s): English | Subtitles: Estonian
Through the use of slow-motion filming, this stunning documentary provides never-before-seen footage of dragonflies and other denizens of the river and riverbank they inhabit.
Registration: forms.gle/pFwaVFH3PN6y2Haw6
School students also have the chance to examine the species featured in the film in special rooms and put themselves to the test on a survival course with pumas in the harsh conditions of the Chilean Andes. School nature trips will be taking place in Narva on both 23 & 24 September. In the course of these fun days out, led by staff from the Alutaguse Hiking Club, the students will find out all about the rodents found in the city and learn not only how garbage accumulates in urban areas, but also how it can be avoided.
Health information | Participation is only open to those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, who have contracted and recovered from the virus or who have tested negative for it. To provide evidence of this, please present your COVID certificate (on paper or in digital form) and personal ID. Those younger than 18 are not required to present the certificate.
If you do not have a certificate, you may come to the venue on September 23rd at 16.30-18.30 with a COVID-19 rapid testing kit you have previously purchased and take the test on site under the supervision of a medical worker. In case of a negative result of this test, it is possible to watch all the films of the festival in Narva.
The documentaries taking part in the Matsalu Nature Film Festival are being screened in cooperation with the Integration Foundation’s Estonian Language House in Narva. Attendance of both the screenings and the discussions before and after them is free of charge, but advance registration is required.
The main programme of the Matsalu Nature Film Festival takes place each year in Lihula, close to Matsalu National Park, at a time when migratory birds are making their way through the area. This year’s festival is the 19th edition and will be held from 15-19 September. The festival aims to recognise and showcase new nature and environmental films and their creators, offering audiences the chance to watch some of the world’s best nature films for themselves and thereby raising awareness of and interest in environmental issues. The festival promotes sustainable ways of life that are close to nature as well as respect for indigenous traditions that are closely intertwined with the natural world.
These classes are designed especially for Russian-speaking parents of pupils attending language immersions schools or kindergartens or enrolled in Estonian-language schools, so as to give the parents the chance to learn and practise Estonian based on the language immersion approach. We’ll be sharing our problems and concerns and discussing what unites us: language immersion, supporting our children, choosing suitable educational institutions and transferring between them, plus other education-related matters. The classes will occasionally be attended by language immersion experts, who’ll answer any questions and join in on discussions. Some of the classes will be held in exciting cultural venues. ‘The Key to Estonian’, which was established in 2019, offers language practice through a variety of activities and organises events and excursions.
Min. language level required: B1
When: Tuesdays from September-December (starting on 28 September) from 17:30-19:00
Max. no. of participants: 16
Where: Estonian Language Centre, Tallinn (‘Ookean’ room; Rävala pst 5, 6th floor)
Contact person/organiser: Ruth Ristmägi (ristmagi.ruth@gmail.com)
Registration:https://forms.gle/SsJCMA7ye7u57vFd9
Health safety: In organising language courses, Estonian Language Houses are guided by the current requirements put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. Only people who present the certificate to prove that they (1) are vaccinated, (2) have been recovered from COVID-19, or (3) have got negative result of PCR test (valid for 72 h) or rapid antigen test (valid for 48 h) can take part in events.
This series of three daytrips in the great outdoors is designed for people from Pärnu County whose mother tongue is a language other than Estonian.
The series kicks off with:
Canoeing on the Halliste River (26 September from 10:00-18:00)
This will then be followed by disc golf (both training and a tournament) on the stunning nature trail in Jõulumäe on 10 October from 12:00-15:00 and a snowshoe hike in Soomaa National Park on 24 October from 10:00-18:00.
The events are designed to allow people to practise their Estonian and overcome the language barrier in a relaxed natural setting. Participants will get on first-name terms with Mother Nature in their home county while making new friends and coming together as a team.
Since the trips will be conducted in Estonian, it will give the participants the chance to practise using the language in the great outdoors, asking and answering questions and chatting with the team. They will learn new words, with the natural surroundings encouraging them to overcome the language barrier. The events will focus on self-expression through speaking.
Min. language level required: B2
When: Halliste River – 26 September from 10:00-18:00
Max. no. of participants: 16
Where: Meeting in front of Pärnu Central Library at 10:00
Contact person/organiser: Silja Joon (silja.joon@gmail.com/+372 5561 5559)
Registration:https://forms.gle/17YfFjXsYRhWBB128
Health safety: In organising language courses, Estonian Language Houses are guided by the current requirements put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. Only people who present the certificate to prove that they (1) are vaccinated, (2) have been recovered from COVID-19, or (3) have got negative result of PCR test (valid for 72 h) or rapid antigen test (valid for 48 h) can take part in events.
Language roulette gets you practising your Estonian! Bringing people together via Zoom, it offers you the chance to chat about given topics in random groups for a pre-determined amount of time. What exactly you’ll be discussing you’ll only find out on the day! A fun, relaxed atmosphere is guaranteed.
Min. language level required: A2 (The format is open to learners whose Estonian skills are at least at the A2 level as well as to native speakers of the language)
When: 21 & 28 September at 18:00 (logging in at 17:45 and starting at 18:00 on the dot!)
Where: Zoom
Contact person/organiser: Ave Landrat (ave.landrat@integratsioon.ee)/Mari Taalmann (mari.taalmann@integratsioon.ee)
Registration:https://forms.gle/CiQV4Fq6DALoimEEA(registration opens on the Friday before the scheduled session)
The Zoom link will be sent ahead of the session to everyone registered for the event.
(registreerimisvorm avaneb Keeleruleti kohtumisele eelneval reedel)
Kohtumise jaoks saadame Zoomi linki kõigile registreerujatele enne sündmuse algust.
We’ll cook together, sharing skills, tips and recipes, then set the table, sit down and enjoy the food we’ve made. At the end of each class we’ll summarise what we’ve learnt in Estonian in terms of both new words and about cooking itself. We’ll discuss what we found difficult and what exciting new discoveries we made.
The classes will be all about socialising, which will take place entirely in Estonian.
This year, the cooking classes are only open to relative beginners. Participation is on the basis of proof of vaccination. Each class will be limited to 10 participants.
Min. language level required: A2 only
Participants should bring their own aprons.
When: 20 September (pizza and salad), 25 October (risotto), 22 November (soup and pastries) & 6 December (edible Christmas presents) at 17:30
Where: Estonia pst 5a (entrance from the courtyard; if you get lost, call +372 5690 1707)
Contact person/organiser: Mari Taalmann (+372 5302 4113)/Eerika Ossaar (+372 5567 2055)
Registration:https://forms.gle/yjctNsQ3Di6YZuQF7
Health safety: In organising language courses, Estonian Language Houses are guided by the current requirements put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. Only people who present the certificate to prove that they (1) are vaccinated, (2) have been recovered from COVID-19, or (3) have got negative result of PCR test (valid for 72 h) or rapid antigen test (valid for 48 h) can take part in events.
“Let’s Get Together!” is a fun series of events aimed at people in Pärnu and Sindi whose mother tongues are languages other than Estonian. The events are designed to let them practise the national language while meeting musicians from their county. The events will take place at 12:00 over seven Sundays in Sindi and Pärnu.
In a relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by tea and coffee, participants can socialise, chat in Estonian and enjoy live performances of well-known Estonian-language songs.
The fun, playful nature of the club events will get people of all ages learning Estonian without them even realising it! “Let’s Get Together!” represents an opportunity to get to know local folk and pop culture and Estonians as a singing nation. The ability to hold a tune is not required!
Min. language level required: A2
When: 19 September from 12:00-14:00 at Sindi Community Centre
Max. no. of participants: 20
Where: Sindi Community Centre (Pärnu mnt 44)
Contact person: Silja Joon (silja.joon@gmail.com/+372 5561 5559)
Registration:https://forms.gle/Ks7XXxkkm1LmHEMi9
Health safety: In organising language courses, Estonian Language Houses are guided by the current requirements put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. Only people who present the certificate to prove that they (1) are vaccinated, (2) have been recovered from COVID-19, or (3) have got negative result of PCR test (valid for 72 h) or rapid antigen test (valid for 48 h) can take part in events.
The latest trip in the ‘Discover Estonia’ series will be taking us to Paljassaare.
The autumn migration of birds is in full flight in September, which is exactly what we’ll be going to Paljassaare to see. Its bird-watching towers command amazing views over the surrounding waters, wetlands and meadows. Binoculars will definitely come in handy, so be sure to bring a pair! We’ll learn lots of interesting facts about migratory birds during our observations of them. Dress for the weather on the day. The trip will last for up to two-and-a-half hours.
Min. language level required: A2
When: 17 September at 16:00
Max. no. of participants: 20
Where: Gathering in the rear car park at Pikakari (also accessible by bus no. 59)
Contact person: Erika Ader (erika.ader@integratsioon.ee)
Registration:https://forms.gle/AW8i8xQQZ1NcRkyG8
Health safety: In organising language courses, Estonian Language Houses are guided by the current requirements put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. Only people who present the certificate to prove that they (1) are vaccinated, (2) have been recovered from COVID-19, or (3) have got negative result of PCR test (valid for 72 h) or rapid antigen test (valid for 48 h) can take part in events.
This cooking class and cultural evening being run in Pärnu will take Estonian language enthusiasts on a journey through the cuisines of different continents and cultures. Mediterranean cooking and culture are yours to explore!
Over three hours, residents of Pärnu with first languages other than Estonian will get the chance to practise the national language, dive in to traditional recipes and savour exciting new flavours.
The evening will be led by Ülle Niilisk, who has taken part in cooking classes all over the world. She has chosen the recipes especially for the event and will guide the participants in making the dishes.
This will be accompanied by a discussion in Estonian on the links between food and culture, with new expressions being jotted down on a whiteboard for all to memorise. We will then share our thoughts as we enjoy the food.
Min. language level required: A2
When: 16 September from 17:00-20:00
Max. no. of participants: 25
Where: Kooli 6b, Pärnu
Contact person: Silja Joon (silja.joon@gmail.com/+372 5561 5559)
Registration:https://forms.gle/Lu7WmrjuB6SUDBMH7
Health safety: In organising language courses, Estonian Language Houses are guided by the current requirements put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus. Only people who present the certificate to prove that they (1) are vaccinated, (2) have been recovered from COVID-19, or (3) have got negative result of PCR test (valid for 72 h) or rapid antigen test (valid for 48 h) can take part in events.
