Estonian Language and Culture

The Estonian language compared to other languages. The basics of Estonian grammar and pronunciation. Politeness formulas. Elementary phrases for everyday communication (shop, cafe, street, etc) and university-related communication. A short overview of Estonia (general facts, history, culture and traditions). Themes: Grammar

• Cases
• Numerals
• Adjectives
• Verbs
• Simple Present and Simple Past
• Imperative Mood

Themes

• Politeness Formulas
• Introduction of Self and Others
• Place of Living; Family
• Dates and Times
• Studying at University
• Hobbies and Fields of Interest
• Shops and Cafes (sh Food and Drinks)
• Estonia (general facts, history, culture and traditions)

NB! This course will take place in autumn semester 2025/2026 which starts on 1st of September and ends on 25th of January (you can find that information under Start date section). TalTech's timetables for Autumn semester 2025 will be published at the end of June via tunniplaan.taltech.ee. Switch the page to English and use "Search" and "Open detailed search" to find your course. NB! Some courses are taught by several lecturers during the same semester. Make sure that the course name and lecturer/teacher infromation of your course match with the information given in the Course Catalogue.

The student:

• can understand and use Estonian politeness formulas and elementary phrases for everyday communication;
• can cope with everyday communicative situations (at the university, in a shop or cafe, in the street, etc) at the level of basic comprehension;
• can introduce himself/herself and others in Estonian;
• can ask and answer questions about familiar everyday situations (including place of living, acquaintances and other personal themes);
• can interact in a simple manner provided that the other person speaks clearly and slowly;
• is familiar with the Estonian national symbols, traditions and historical background.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

No prerequisites

• Kohustuslik:
• Õppejõu koostatud ning valitud materjalid.
• Soovituslik:
• Mangus, I. ja Simmul, M. 2012. Tere!. Puškini Instituut.
• Tuldva, J. 1994. Estonian Textbook. Indiana University, Research Institute for Inner Asian Studies.
• Kitsnik, M. ja Kingisepp, L. 2008. Teach Yourself Estonian. McGraw-Hill.
• www.keeleklikk.ee

practices