The Ecology of Language in Ukraine

Abstract

Since becoming an independent nation in 1991, Ukraine, like other post-Soviet countries, has heavily promoted the use and development of the titular language to reverse the effects of historical discrimination and Russification. This paper uses an ecological framework to illustrate the deeper complexities of the relationship among Ukrainian, Russian and additional languages in Ukraine in: 1) historical and geographical aspects of national language policy and practice, 2) languagein-education policies, 3) language use and language attitudes, and 4) the current role of English in Ukraine. I conclude that state support for Ukrainian continues to be justified. The necessary level of language rights protections for Russian speakers, including Russian-speaking Ukrainians, is still subject to debate. The unique interplay of policy, practice and cultural norms in Ukraine are likely to impact future Russian or Ukrainian language planning outcomes. English study and use, however, may be more influenced by bottom-up, regional policy decisions.