Essay About Ukrainian Language

The situations when Ukrainian-speaking people switch to Russian are very common, especially in bigger cities. Anastasia from Mariupol (south-east of Donetsk region) says that she never used Ukrainian language in her hometown in public, except at home with family. “It is simply easier always speak in Russian and do not explain every person you meet that you are not Russophobe or aggressive nationalist. Russian language creates comfort zone for me, when I am not excluded from the social group. Using Ukrainian might create some complications or inconvenience.”

In the east and south of Ukraine, all state institutions and public service establishments (banks, hospitals, restaurants etc.) provide services exclusively in Russian. An exception is legal documents, courts and legal system. “If you go to the hospital, better use Russian. I

“They would think you are some extreme nationalists from the village in the west. Russian language is more international than Ukrainian” says Olena from Kyiv. Olena says that in Kyiv, Russian language definitely prevails in interpersonal communication. “Speaking Ukrainian, you immediately send the message that you are, first, from the west; second, nationalist and against Russian people; third, you demand the answer in Ukrainian. Indeed, it is far from true, of course, but the stereotypes are still powerful here”.

The reason is to be thought in widely usage of Russian language by Ukrainian celebrities in public even if their mother tongue is Ukrainian. Russian language is considered more profitable in show business, cinematography and, of course, politics. Ukrainian politicians use the language depending on situation: where, whom do they speak and whose interests they represent in that very moment. Many politicians read their speeches in Ukrainian and then answer the question of journalists in