Why I Joined?
Times are different today. In Estonia, Tartu University now conducts its programs in both English and Estonian while Estonians move freely throughout the world in search of greater economic opportunities. In the United States, we have a large population of American-Estonians who, like me, were exposed to the Estonian language and culture from our parents, grandparents and eesti kooli õpetajad (Estonian school teachers) who came to this country to escape persecution.
As a young boy, I spoke eesti keel at home, went to eesti kool (Estonian School), and participated in rahvatants (folk dancing) and skautlus (Boy Scouts). However, my language skills did not expand beyond a basic köögi eesti keel (conversational Estonian), thus limiting discussions of a technical or business nature in later years. I was born an American, received my MBA and conducted all my business in English. Except for the Estonian spoken with my parents and grandparents, there was little reason for me to speak the language elsewhere, particularly as my involvement with the Estonian community diminished after I moved greater distances from my parents for university and then employment opportunities. I know that I share this experience with many of my American-Estonian contemporaries as well the offspring of other immigrant groups.
Despite the challenges, we still feel like we are Estonian and have a strong “crazy glue” bond with Eesti and Estonians. We were raised with the geographical, cultural, historical and social background of being Estonians (tänan pr. Verder, my most memorable Esto teacher). Yet our limited language skill sometimes discourages us from participating in discussions about the future of Estonians.
I joined EANC to work toward greater inclusion—I want to explore and find ways to include any and all those eestlased, who love their heritage and simply do not want to continue to be or feel left out because of a language impediment. Without an English language accommodation, how are we going to grow our membership base? I would like to contribute toward EANC’s agenda and help increase its current known address numbers beyond its current level of 4,400+. There should be no limiting factors if you are an Estonian, of Estonian background or if such a connection is through your spouse/partner. The paradox is that in order to better serve and preserve our Estonian-American community, we need to communicate in English--a common language to us all.
Eestlane olen ja eestlaseks jään, or in English: I am an Estonian and will forever remain an Estonian!