Introduction of the Romanian Language in Schools in Bukovina: Education or Threat to Cultural Identity
The topic of the use of the Romanian language in educational institutions of Bukovina caused a heated debate among the public. The news about the introduction of the Romanian teaching language in 13 academic lyceums caused a wave of discussions and fears among Ukrainians. The issue of language, especially in the context of education, remains an important element of national identity and cultural expression.
Key details of the reform
According to the message of Facebook Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration, Oksana Sakrier, the innovation is part of the reform of senior professional schools in Ukraine. Of the 52 united territorial communities of the Chernivtsi region, 19 have national minorities in their composition, and the Romanian-speaking population lives compactly in 12 of them. Currently, there are 72 schools operating in the region, where part of the subjects are taught in the Romanian language.
The reform envisages the transition to a new educational system, where native language education will be provided for representatives of national minorities in certain communities. This decision is not an innovation, since in such communities Romanian teaching has existed since 1991. It is about ensuring access to quality education, taking into account the linguistic characteristics of the local population.
The introduction of the Romanian teaching language concerns Mamaligivska, Hertsaivska, Ostrytska, Novoselytska, Magalska, Tarashanska, Hlybka, Krasnoilska, Petrivetska, Storozhinetska, Chudeiska and Chernivtsi communities.
Oksana Sakrier assured that it is not about increasing the number of schools with the Romanian language of instruction, but only about ensuring access to quality education for representatives of national minorities. According to her, the goal of the reform is not political, but educational. It is aimed at improving the quality of knowledge and implementing a complex but necessary educational reform that affects all of Ukraine.
In addition, 62 institutions of general secondary education are planned to operate in the region, including:
- 58 academic lyceums;
- 2 military sports lyceums;
- one art institution;
- one scientific lyceum.
At the same time, the official stressed that the main state subjects, in particular the history of Ukraine, Ukrainian language and literature, geography and “Defense of Ukraine” will be taught exclusively in Ukrainian. This corresponds to the requirements of Ukrainian legislation and international obligations of the state.
“Why do lyceums with the Romanian language of instruction function in the region?
Chernivtsi region is a region where representatives of different nationalities historically live. Education in the languages of national minorities is not an innovation. In Ukraine, this is a constitutionally guaranteed right that has been in effect since 1991.
Currently, there are 72 institutions of general secondary education, where part of the subjects are taught in the Romanian language (a total of 337 schools in the network). This corresponds to the European Charter of Regional Languages and Languages of National Minorities, ratified by Ukraine, and the Framework Convention of the Council of Europe on the Protection of National Minorities. Ukraine fulfills its international obligations and acts in accordance with EU standards.
What is important to know?
History of Ukraine, Ukrainian language and literature, geography, Defense of Ukraine – taught in Ukrainian.
All graduates are required to pass the external examination/NMT in the Ukrainian language.
No schools are closed, no new ones are opened, there is no “oppression” or “forced change of the language of instruction”.
Manipulation and reality
No “Romanization of Bukovyna” is taking place. Educational reform is not politics or changing borders, but improving the quality of knowledge.
Comparison with Russian schools is incorrect. Muscovites use language as a tool of aggression.
Representatives of Romanian communities support Ukraine and defend it in the ranks of the Armed Forces.
Visnovok
Ukraine was, is and will be united.
We comply with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation and international obligations. We are implementing a complex reform of a senior specialized school.
The Department of Education and Science is open to constructive dialogue. Education is not about political manipulation, but about the quality future of our children.
Our strength is in unity, our advantage is in diversity!”, – written by Oksana Sakrier.
Society’s reaction
The news about the expansion of Romanian teaching caused a mixed reaction among Ukrainians. Part of the public expressed concern that the expansion of teaching in the Romanian language could lead to the gradual “Romanization” of Bukovina. Others emphasized that this issue is purely educational and has no political implications.
“Today is school, tomorrow – everything else” – such comments were heard in discussions on social networks.
Some users expressed fears that such initiatives could lead to demands for the introduction of the Romanian language in other spheres of life.
At the same time, other users emphasized that in communities where the Romanian-speaking population predominates, since 1991, schools with the Romanian language of instruction have been operating, and this is part of the protection of the rights of national minorities. They urged not to inflame the conflict and to pay attention to the fact that the innovations do not contradict the Constitution of Ukraine.
The situation with the introduction of the Romanian teaching language in Bukovina once again confirms the complexity of the topic of language policy in multinational regions. It is important to understand that it is not about politics or changing national identity, but about providing the opportunity to receive quality education that takes into account the cultural characteristics of local communities.
At the same time, the discussion of this issue in society is important to ensure a balance between the rights of national minorities and the national language policy. The authorities assure that the introduction of the Romanian language of instruction is in full compliance with the legislation, and any speculation on this topic is inappropriate. Therefore, it is important that such initiatives are accompanied by an open dialogue between the public, authorities and representatives of national minorities, which will avoid misunderstandings and preserve the intercultural balance in the region.
