Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art, University of Latvia

1. "Song, song, tell me this..." , (LU LFMI Latvian Folklore Repository, head Ginta Pērle-Sīle)

Have you ever torn open a fortune cookie and read the message hidden inside with curiosity? The researchers of the Latvian Folklore Repository will offer just such a moment at the "Scientists' Night" - only this time, instead of a cookie, there will be a folk song.

Latvian folk songs store experience and advice about every challenge that a person may face in their life. In each of them, it is possible to discover a kind of message, as unexpected and accurate as in a fortune cookie. Therefore, within the framework of the "Scientists' Night", the researchers of the Latvian Folklore Repository will encourage visitors to find their own song lyrics that are relevant to that moment. The song lyrics will be assigned randomly by a computer program or manually, from books. There will be an opportunity to discuss the message of the text with researchers and to become acquainted with sources from which to seek advice on songs outside of “Scientists' Night”.

Those who enjoy intellectual challenges and have a competitive spirit will have the opportunity to test their knowledge in an interactive online quiz about folk songs, their history, and their significance in Latvian cultural history.

Procedure – individual conversations, also “Kahoot” competitions for no more than 10 people at a time.

Language: We can also converse in English and translate/explain folk song texts. Kahoot only in Latvian.

No prior registration is required.

2. Consultation point "What did you always want to know about religion, but there was no one to ask?" (LU LFMI researcher Agita Misāne).

Individual conversations.

NB! Maximum number of people admitted at the same time during one visit: 10

• Research science fields: Literary studies; folklore studies; art sciences; cultural, social and environmental sciences; digital humanities; digital resources
• Location: Scientists' Night events are planned at the LU Academic Centre at Jelgavas Street 1 and Jelgavas Street 3, Riga.
• Visiting hours: 17:00–21:00
• Event language: Individual conversations in Latvian and "Kahoot" competitions. You can also talk in English, translate/explain folk song texts. Kahoot only in Latvian.
• Transport: You can get to the LU Academic Centre by personal and public transport:

Trolleybuses: No. 9, 27 - stop Latvian National Library Buses: No. 23 - stop LU Academic Center; Bus No. 3, 4, 4z, 7, 8, 21, 22, 25, 32, 35, 38, 39, 43, 54, 55 - stop Latvian National Library Trams: No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 10 - stop Latvian National Library Train: Torņakalns station

• Environmental accessibility: LU Academic Center is accessible to people with mobility impairments