A CENTURY OF LIVONIAN STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TARTU

The significance of the Livonian language and culture to Estonians is greater than mere historical closeness. The discipline of Livonian studies has been a part of Estonian national self-definition. The current article provides an overview of Livonian research and instruction since 1919 when the University of Tartu became the national university of Estonia. A consistent focus on Livonian language and culture during the last hundred years has been a good example of the Estonian national university's broader mission, where national and international dimensions interweave in many ways. The University of Tartu is the only institution in Estonia where the Livonian language has been approached in such a multifaceted and in-depth manner, and has been taught, researched, and popularised.