The Syntax and Semantics of Latvian "lai" ir Directive and Desiderative Environments

Enija Mišela Dzene '25

Linguistics with a minor in Sociology

My thesis looks at the Latvian word "lai", which often appears in sentences expressing wishes, orders, or hopes. While it is usually treated as just a linking word, I show that "lai" actually functions like a marker of the subjunctive mood—a way languages talk about events that are not certain or factual. By studying its grammar and meaning, I show that "lai" plays an active role in shaping the meaning of a sentence, much like similar words in Romance and Balkan languages.

What drew you to explore this topic?

I chose this topic because, as a native Latvian speaker, I noticed that "lai" is widely used but rarely examined in depth, especially from both a grammar and meaning perspective. It was a chance to explore something familiar yet linguistically under-researched, and to connect Latvian to broader cross-linguistic discussions on how languages express possibility, wishes, and commands.

What’s the next chapter in your journey post-graduation?

I am starting my master’s in Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam this September. Over the summer, I have been focusing on developing my bachelor’s thesis into a publishable paper so I can share my findings with the wider research community.