Opiniijas

Opiniijas is a term used to denote the plural of opinija in Latvian, referring to personal judgments or beliefs about issues, events, or people. An opinija is inherently subjective and not equivalent to a verifiable fact. People express opinijas in statements, arguments, and media, shaping how they interpret information and act on it. The form is often shaped by values, experiences, culture, and information sources, and can change over time.

Etymology: the word originates in Latin opinio "opinion," passing into many languages, including Latvian as opinija. The plural form opiniijas denotes multiple viewpoints.

Usage: In everyday language, opinijas appear in conversations, journalism, and public discourse. They serve to express stance, assess credibility, and authorize action, but they do not constitute proof. Distinctions between opinijas and facts are central to critical thinking and scientific communication.

Research and measurement: Public opinion is studied through surveys, interviews, and analysis of texts and media. Results depend on sampling, question design, and response biases. Opinion data guide policy discussions, market research, and electoral strategy, but they describe beliefs held by groups or individuals rather than universal truths.

Limitations and dynamics: Opinijas are prone to biases—cognitive biases, social desirability, and information gaps can shift opinions. In open societies, debates about opinijas are part of democratic deliberation and can change with new information or events.