Language has always been a powerful tool for communication, culture, and identity. For Ukrainians, the language they speak carries even greater significance in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The invasion of Crimea and the subsequent war in eastern Ukraine have sparked a resurgence of Ukrainian identity, prompting many Ukrainians to reclaim their native language as a symbol of resistance and defiance against Russian aggression.
In Kharkiv, a city historically dominated by Russian speakers just 25 miles from the Russian border, Ukrainian classes are experiencing a surge in demand. People from all walks of life, from waiters to shopkeepers, have abandoned the use of Russian in favor of Ukrainian. Ukrainian language books are flying off the shelves, and local publishers are struggling to keep up with the sudden increase in orders. This shift in language preference is a direct response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's false justification for invading Ukraine, which was to protect Russian-speaking people.
The rejection of the Russian language began to intensify in 2014, following Russia's invasion of Crimea and its involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine. This rejection has culminated in a broader repudiation of the language, dealing a significant blow to Putin's vision of a unified "Russian land." Street names have been changed to honor Ukrainian heroes, Russian literature has been shredded and converted into toilet paper, and Russian dishes on restaurant menus have been relabeled. Radio stations have even stopped playing songs by Russian artists, which were once popular in Ukraine.
The shift towards Ukrainian as the dominant language in Ukraine goes beyond a simple change in communication. It is a profound statement of identity and a way for Ukrainians to position themselves in the face of adversity. Iryna Pobidash, an associate professor of linguistics, explains that language is not just a means of communication but also a reflection of one's identity. For many Ukrainians, speaking Russian has become associated with the enemy, symbolizing the pain and tragedy inflicted upon their country. Ukrainian author Andrey Kurkov, who writes exclusively in Russian, expresses his own pain and shame in writing in his mother tongue, realizing that Russia's actions are destroying its own language and culture globally.
The Power of Language
In Kharkiv, a city with a complex history of both Russian and Ukrainian influences, the resurgence of the Ukrainian language is seen as an act of resistance against Russian imperialism. Kharkiv was once a hub for Ukrainian writers who defied Russian influence, even in the face of persecution during Stalin's Great Terror. Tetyana Pylypchuk, the curator of Kharkiv's literary museum, believes that Kharkiv will ultimately become more Ukrainian-speaking. The city's residents have come to realize that language is not only a means of communication but also a form of defence and subjectivity. The heavy price they have paid for this understanding has solidified their connection to the Ukrainian language and their desire to dissociate themselves from those who have caused them harm.
The issue of language and identity in Ukraine is emotionally charged and complex. Many Ukrainians, especially those who grew up during the Soviet era, have a deep connection to the Russian language due to historical Russification policies. Liubov and Taras Pavliuk, a married couple from the Kyiv suburbs, embody this linguistic complexity. Liubov speaks Russian, while Taras speaks only Ukrainian. Their relationship reflects Ukraine's diverse linguistic landscape, where individuals often switch between languages without even realizing it. Liubov acknowledges that Russian is the language of the enemy but struggles to express herself emotionally in Ukrainian, as she feels more comfortable in Russian. She hopes for a more Ukrainian-speaking nation in the future but recognizes the challenges of overcoming a history of Russification.
Efforts to promote the Ukrainian language are taking place across the country. One initiative, called the Yedini project, organizes free language classes in more than 20 cities, including Kharkiv. These classes aim to facilitate "gentle Ukrainization" by providing a supportive environment for learning and speaking Ukrainian. The project combats the tendency to use "Russianisms" when speaking Ukrainian and encourages the use of the national language. This resurgence of Ukrainian echoes past chapters in Ukraine's history when the language served as a tool of resistance against Russian dominance.
The future of the Russian language in Ukraine remains uncertain. Approximately 30% of Ukrainians speak Russian as their first language, presenting a complex challenge in the aftermath of the conflict. The influx of Russian-speaking refugees to western Ukraine has led to tensions, with some landlords refusing to rent apartments to them. The Ukrainian parliament's adoption of a bill banning the import of literature from Russia and Belarus further highlighted the divisive nature of the language issue. President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to make English Ukraine's second official language also sparked debate. It is clear that the question of language in Ukraine is multifaceted and deeply rooted in historical, political, and cultural factors.
The ongoing conflict has created a narrow public discourse regarding the language issue in Ukraine. Russian speakers often feel hesitant to voice their concerns, fearing that their perspectives will be discredited or misunderstood. Alisa Sopova, a Russian-speaking anthropologist, emphasizes the importance of broadening the discourse to include the diverse experiences and opinions of Russian speakers. She suggests that instead of rejecting the Russian language entirely, Ukraine should claim it as its own and demonstrate that Russia does not have a monopoly on the language.
Angela Bulat, a cow farmer in the southern front-line city of Huliapole, embodies the complexities of language and identity in Ukraine. Half Russian and half Tatar, she was born in a town occupied by Russia since 2014. Bulat emphasizes the importance of tolerance and how people treat each other, regardless of the language they speak. The linguistic diversity in Ukraine reflects its rich cultural heritage and should be embraced as a source of strength and unity.
The conflict with Russia has prompted a renewed appreciation for the Ukrainian language and a rejection of the Russian language as a symbol of aggression. Ukrainians are reclaiming their linguistic identity, recognizing the power of language in shaping their sense of self and their resistance against external forces. While the future of the Russian language in Ukraine remains uncertain, the quest for a more Ukrainian-speaking nation is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people.
Language is more than just a means of communication; it is an integral part of a person's identity and a reflection of their culture and history. In Ukraine, the conflict with Russia has spurred a resurgence of the Ukrainian language as a symbol of resistance and defiance. Ukrainians are reclaiming their linguistic heritage, rejecting the Russian language as a marker of pain and tragedy. While the future of the Russian language in Ukraine is uncertain, the embrace of the Ukrainian language is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people. As Ukraine moves forward, it is crucial to foster tolerance and understanding, recognizing the importance of language in shaping individual and collective identities.
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