The Language of Ukraine

Ukraine is a beautiful country in Eastern Europe and its unique culture, language, and traditions are essential elements that define its fascinating history, as well as its present day. The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, although the use of Russian has a significant place in the nation’s history and present day.

History of Ukraine’s Language

Ukraine has a long and vibrant history dating back centuries. When looking at Ukraine’s language, it is important to note the rich cultural influences of Kievan Rus, a Slavic people. Ukraine is traditionally composed of numerous ethnic groups of which the dominant two are Ukrainians and Russians. To this day, Ukraine is often referred to as a “bilingual” nation. Throughout Ukraine’s evolution, the language of the people has been continuously morphing in order to absorb and adapt the influences of the numerous cultures that had and continue to have a presence in the country.

Language and Politics in Ukraine

Language and politics in Ukraine go hand in hand. Ukraine is a very politically diverse nation, reflected clearly in the language distinctions between Ukrainians and Russians. Ukrainians almost exclusively use the Ukrainian language, while many Russian speakers in Ukraine prefer to use Russian as their primary language. Meanwhile, other groups use their own unique languages, such as Hungarians and Crimean Tatars who use Hungarian and Crimean Tatar, respectively.

Due to its various ethnicities, Ukraine was the first country in the world to declare both Russian and Ukrainian official languages in its constitution. Both the Russian and Ukrainian language are legally accepted languages in Ukraine. In 1989, the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine strongly recommended the development of the Ukrainian language and promoted its use in schools and businesses. The call for the increased use of the Ukrainian language led to a very strong surge in Ukrainian nationalism, leading to several social, political and economic transformations throughout Ukraine.

Conclusion

Ukraine is a nation with a vibrant history and culture that is evident in its official language, Ukrainian, and its many other languages, such as Russian, Hungarian, and Crimean Tatar. As a result of these various cultural influences, the nation has developed an incredibly unique language system that expresses its cultural and political diversity. As Ukraine continues to evolve and shape its identity, it is likely that the language of the country will become increasingly varied and rich.