Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
An inquiry regarding the narrowing scope of Estonian as a language of science (no. 716)
2025-03-17
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus centers on the problem of the shrinking use of Estonian as a language of science in higher education, particularly at the doctoral level. This stance is strongly opposed to the current trend of Anglicization, which is viewed as hindering the development of the Estonian language and being economically inefficient. The framework for addressing this issue is value-based, emphasizing the preservation and development of the national language, while simultaneously being supported by concrete statistical data. The speaker is demanding new ideas and accountability from the government.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in the fields of higher education policy, language rights, and research statistics. Detailed data is utilized regarding the linguistic distribution of doctoral theses (e.g., 7% of doctoral theses were in Estonian in 2024) and the number of students; university rankings are also referenced. Particular emphasis is placed on the stipulations of administrative agreements (University of Tartu, TalTech) and the supervision of their implementation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and forceful, heavily relying on statistical data and logical arguments ("I demonstrated using the figures"). Direct address is used towards the minister and colleagues, while simultaneously posing sharp questions and pointing out the minister's logical flaws. Emphasis is placed on concern regarding the future of the Estonian language as a scientific language, and the authoritative quote of linguist Tiit Hennoste is introduced.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action focuses on legislative oversight and demanding accountability from the minister through an official interpellation. The speaker is the initiator of the interpellation (together with Leo Kunnas), which demonstrates active participation in parliamentary control mechanisms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed against the inaction and policies of the Minister of Education and Research concerning the protection of the Estonian scientific language. The criticism is based on policy and logic, accusing the minister of failing to oversee the execution of administrative agreements and offering inadequate solutions. The speaker distances himself from the minister’s positions, maintaining a “respectful difference of opinion.”
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of collaboration is evident in the submission of an interpellation alongside colleague Leo Kunnas, highlighting a shared concern regarding the status of the Estonian language. There is no information available concerning broader cross-party cooperation or a willingness to compromise with the government.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, concentrating on the activities of Estonian public universities (especially the national university, the University of Tartu, and Tallinn University of Technology) and the execution of their administrative agreements. Regional or local topics are not covered.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints stress fiscal responsibility, criticizing the education of foreign doctoral students at the taxpayer's expense as a "wasted investment" if they fail to integrate into the Estonian labor market. A connection is seen between science and the needs of the Estonian economy, criticizing a structure that is oriented toward low-skilled work, even as highly qualified labor cannot be retained.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around the preservation and development of the Estonian language within education and science, a factor critical for safeguarding national culture and ensuring high-quality schooling. It is stressed that English-medium education damages Estonian terminology and could negatively impact instruction in Estonian schools. Furthermore, the employment of foreign students in "cheap labor" jobs is criticized, as this practice impedes their language acquisition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on monitoring the implementation of existing administrative contracts and tightening their provisions concerning the proportion of the Estonian language used. The speaker insists that concrete requirements for the Estonian language be explicitly defined in these contracts, and questions whether anyone is actually checking compliance.
4 Speeches Analyzed