I have travelled to Estonia numerous occasions in the past, and will be returning soon to meet some local Estonians we met on our last visit.
Obviously I am aware of the history of Estonia, so that in mind is there any subjects I should avoid commenting on? Are Estonians keen to enter into a discussion about their countries history or do they prefer to forget the past?
Now I am able to easily differentiate between Estonians and the local Russian speaking population are there any issue that I should be aware of?
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Middle-aged and older Estonians that we met on a recent trip often spoke of Soviet times (in negative terms). If circumstances are appropriate I would see no harm in raising such issues, but would suggest you avoid making judgmental comments.
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As a young Estonian I can say there is no subjects I wouldn%26#39;t like to talk about. We can%26#39;t and don%26#39;t want to forget the past as the history is a big part of what we are. I think everybody here has a parent or relative who was deported to Siberia in 1941 or 49 and there%26#39;s nowhere to escape from those facts.
Also I don%26#39;t mind if people are judgemental as we are very used to it that big nations don%26#39;t completely understand small nations and that Western countries take many things for granted.
Estonians usually say what they think and are not too polite, so if you have any doubts, then you can just ask your friends if they want to discuss those issues and they will tell you.
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