Volodymyr Zelensky signed the law initiated by him on the use of the English language in Ukraine, which caused many discussions and disputes in Ukrainian society.
IA “FAKT” analyzed the main provisions of this law, as well as its positive and potential negative consequences.
According to the law, English is recognized as the language of international communication in Ukraine, and the state actively supports its study among citizens. The main purpose of this law is to increase the use of the English language in public spheres of social life and to create favorable conditions for its development by citizens of Ukraine.
The law defines the list of positions for which the requirements for the mandatory command of the English language are established. This applies to the highest categories of civil servants, heads of local administrations, officers of the military, management of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and heads of state enterprises, heads and teachers of institutions of higher education, scientific institutions, heads of health care institutions. The law applies to units of emergency assistance to the population, when crossing the state border, in the fields of education, culture, transport, health care, etc.
It is assumed that the level of English language proficiency for them will be set by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. At the same time, an allowance of 10% of the official salary is established for persons who speak English at a level not lower than B2.
The law regulates the use of the English language in the activities of state authorities and local self-government. Yes, it is envisaged to accept documents in English without translation, conduct correspondence with foreign addressees in English and create English-language versions of official websites.
In the field of education, the new law provides for the compulsory study of the English language at all levels – from preschool to higher education. It is also planned to support English language learning programs for adults and train qualified teachers.
In the transport sector, it is proposed to ensure the availability of information and announcements in English at train stations, airports and ports.
In the field of health care, the law provides for the provision of medical services in English at the request of foreigners, as well as the availability of information about medical institutions in English.
In the cultural sphere, the law ensures the availability of information in English about cultural events, museum exhibits and archival documents. It also establishes the possibility of showing English-language films in the original language with Ukrainian subtitles. At the same time, the law provides for the development and approval of a state program aimed at supporting the study and use of the English language. It should include showing foreign films in English. The law provides for budgetary support to cinemas for showing English-language films. This means that the state will financially support cinemas that will show films in the original language.
At the same time, the law emphasizes that none of its provisions should limit the scope of application of the Ukrainian language as the state language, as well as the languages of the indigenous peoples and national minorities of Ukraine.
It should be noted that English is the most widely spoken language in the world and is official in 67 countries. According to a survey conducted by KMIS with the support of USAID in December 2022 – January 2023, 49% of Ukrainians do not speak English at all, but 56% seek to improve their knowledge.
The new law has certain positive aspects:
English is the language of international communication, so its study and use will allow Ukrainians to have access to various sources of information, which will contribute to the formation of an objective view of world events. Fluency in English will also allow Ukrainians to take an active part in international organizations, public movements and forums where important global issues are discussed. The English language provides access to a large number of educational materials and resources that are not available in the Ukrainian language. Our students will be able to enter foreign higher education institutions more easily, participate more actively in international scientific conferences and exchange programs, which will raise the level of Ukrainian science and education in general.
In addition, fluency in English among Ukrainian specialists will contribute to the attraction of foreign companies and investors, as communication and doing business will become easier and more efficient. Also, knowledge of the English language will give Ukrainians access to the international labor market, will allow them to participate in global projects and get high-paying jobs abroad. Increasing the level of English proficiency in the service sector will make Ukraine more attractive to foreign tourists, which will contribute to the development of the tourism industry. Learning a foreign language will contribute to the development of cognitive abilities, improve memory and concentration, and also increase the general level of erudition.
This is all very well, but there are two sides to every coin.
Potential negative consequences of the adoption of this law may be:
- Inequality in access to education. The introduction of compulsory English language learning can create an additional barrier for students from rural and low-income families, where there are not enough resources for high-quality foreign language learning.
- Financial costs of implementation. The implementation of this law will require significant financial costs for the training of teachers, the development of new curricula, textbooks, courses and tutors, which may be an additional burden for Ukrainians.
Obtaining the necessary certificates of knowledge of the English language can also require significant financial costs.
- Impact on national identity. Excessive introduction of the English language can weaken the position of the Ukrainian language and culture, especially among young people.
- Difficulties in implementation. Given the current state of education and the level of English proficiency among teachers, the implementation of this law may be slow and problematic.
The law creates difficulties for people who have studied other foreign languages, and will be forced to learn English as well.
- Problems for civil servants, law enforcement officers, budget employees. The new law will close access to many specialists who will apply for a position but do not know English.
It can also cause a number of difficulties, especially for those over 40 years old. Older people often have more difficulty learning new languages due to reduced cognitive abilities, which can be a serious barrier for non-English speakers.
In addition, those of them who already have significant responsibilities and work loads may not have enough time and resources to learn English at a high level.
Persons who will not be able to master the English language to the required level of knowledge may face the risk of losing their positions or the impossibility of promotion. They may also face discrimination due to insufficient knowledge of the English language, which will limit their opportunities for professional growth and participation in international projects. Being forced to learn a language, especially if it seems like an overwhelming task, can lead to a decrease in motivation and productivity in the workplace.
Many experts call the new law unconstitutional, since Ukrainian is the only state language in Ukraine. This law also segregates citizens on the basis of language, that is, there is a type of discrimination that de facto and legally separates groups of people in society, distinguished by language, and further limits their legal rights. This, for example, will manifest itself in restrictions during employment. Also, people who do not know the English language will not have high ratings, and therefore higher salaries, will not be able to get scientific titles. The state may lose professionals, of whom there are already few left.
If you look at the situation in general, it becomes unclear why such laws are adopted in the state, which increasingly limit the rights of Ukrainians. All the more, during the war, when they already have many problems, losses and grief. Will such a policy promote the interest of millions of our citizens to return to the Motherland? This is also a rhetorical question.
