The language issue is becoming particularly acute in contemporary Ukrainian society, particularly in the educational sphere. In view of Russia’s aggression, there are increasing calls for a full transition to the Ukrainian language in schools, as some Ukrainians often associate the Russian language with the ‘Russian world’ and ideological aggression. One of the most active advocates of full Ukrainian language in educational institutions is Artur Proydakov, known as one of the world’s best teachers in 2023.
The teacher’s point of view
Artur Proydakov calls for the creation of Ukrainian-language centres in schools, including the organisation of conversation clubs to promote the Ukrainian language. He emphasises that it is crucial that initiatives take place at the local level, and that teachers maintain constant communication with parents in Ukrainian, avoiding switching to Russian. Proydakov also emphasises that the language issue is not political, and that it is even a duty for a teacher of Ukrainian to protect and promote it.
In his remarks, Proydakov also draws attention to the importance of explaining to parents that the Russian language is an integral part of the ‘Russian world’. He reminds Ukrainians that although they may speak Russian, they should remember that this is the language spoken by those who are trying to destroy us. In his opinion, one should not be afraid to speak out about this, as the language issue has not only a cultural but also a direct impact on Ukraine’s national security.
Proydakov also shares his observations on the situation with the use of languages at school. He notes that he would like children to speak Ukrainian exclusively, as he often observes situations where parents picking up their children from school say ‘Thank you, goodbye’ but then address their children in Russian: ‘How was your day? Everything okay?’. In his opinion, such habits need to be gradually changed by explaining to parents their importance for national identity.
At the same time, Proydakov points out that the Russian authorities want the Ukrainian language law to be repealed if Ukraine wants a peaceful settlement. This point, in his opinion, should be thought-provoking, as giving up Ukrainian is a concession to the enemy. He understands that some parents may perceive language initiatives as ‘political’, but emphasises that the promotion of the Ukrainian language has nothing to do with politics, but is a matter of culture and identity.
Proydakov emphasises: ‘I am a Ukrainian teacher, and I have to protect and promote the language!’
He believes that one should not wait for the Ministry of Culture to act, but rather initiate projects at the local level that would promote the Ukrainian language in the school environment. He also advises to always communicate with parents in Ukrainian, without switching to Russian, even at their request. He also sees potential in schools to create conversation clubs and other Ukrainian-speaking centres that would help to promote Ukrainian in the everyday lives of students, their parents and the community at large.
Polarised opinions of Ukrainians on the language issue in schools
The opinions of Ukrainians on the language issue in schools are significantly divided, causing numerous disputes in society. Some people believe that the full Ukrainianisation of educational institutions is a necessary step to protect national identity and resist Russian influence. At the same time, others are convinced that the emphasis on language can only exacerbate the internal divide in society, distracting from more pressing issues such as security and unity in the struggle for the country. Here are a few examples of comments that reflect these general views and show how different approaches to the issue of language in the educational environment are.
The pro-Ukrainianisation side: protecting the language and national identity
Proponents of full Ukrainianisation of the school environment argue that language is an integral part of national identity, especially in the context of the war with Russia. They believe that the use of the Ukrainian language in schools helps to shape national consciousness from an early age and reduces the influence of the ‘Russian world’ on new generations. Many of them support initiatives, such as the creation of conversation clubs or Ukrainian language centres at schools, to provide children with more opportunities to communicate in Ukrainian.
Proponents of this position also emphasise that Russian is now associated with the language of the aggressor, which makes its use in public space, especially in schools, unacceptable. According to one Ukrainian teacher: ‘By speaking Ukrainian, we protect not only the language, but also the future of our children, who will be proud of their roots and identity.’
Some parents add that it is important to provide children with a Ukrainian-language environment, as they believe that speaking Ukrainian is the duty of every Ukrainian citizen, especially in times of war. Others argue that children should grow up in Ukrainian-dominated schools so that they clearly understand what it means to be Ukrainian.
Olha Mykhailivna, a Ukrainian language teacher from Kyiv: “Speaking Ukrainian is the least we can do for Ukraine. Our children should hear Ukrainian from childhood to grow up with pride in their culture. Why should they hear Russian at school when Russia is killing our people?”
Ivan Honcharenko, father of three from Lutsk: “As a father, I don’t want my children to be confused about who they are. All lessons, all conversations should be in Ukrainian. If Russian is spoken at school, we support the ‘Russian world’.”
Liudmyla Boiko, volunteer from Lviv region: “Our children need Ukrainian. In times of war, each of us must defend our country, even if it means just speaking our native language.”
Yuriy Ivanovych, historian and soldier from the frontline: “If we allow Russian in our schools, we allow the enemy to be part of our lives. Children should grow up with Ukrainian. This is their foundation, our cultural weapon against the aggressor.”
The ‘Against’ side of Ukrainisation: the right to choose and avoiding a split in society
However, there are many Ukrainians who believe that the language issue should not be the main topic in the educational sphere, especially during the war. They often argue that such a stance could create tensions and divide society when more pressing issues, such as security and support for the military, should come first. Some opponents of Ukrainisation in schools say that patriotism is not measured solely by language. According to them, people can be true patriots while speaking Russian, as many defenders of Ukraine on the front line continue to speak Russian and do not see this as a betrayal of national interests.
It is also believed that excessive emphasis on language can create tension among those who remain in the rear and look like an attempt by some to show their ‘patriotism’ against those who are not actually involved in the defence of the country. In addition, opponents of language policy in schools believe that the issue of language should remain a matter of personal choice. They argue that parents have the right to communicate with their children in the language they prefer and to teach their children to choose the language of communication depending on the situation.
Oleksandr Sydorenko, a soldier from Kharkiv: “On the front line, we don’t find out who speaks what language. The main thing here is that you defend the country. I speak Russian myself, I speak it with my children, and I don’t think it makes me less patriotic.”
Maryna Vlasiuk, mother of a soldier from Odesa: “My son is at the frontline, he speaks Russian and has never paid attention to language in his communication with children and adults. For him, actions, not words, are the most important. Let’s not divide society by language issues.”
Oleh Romanovych, entrepreneur from Zaporizhzhia: “Often, those who have no intention of going to war are the ones who shout the loudest about Ukrainisation. They try to show their ‘patriotism’ by criticising others for their language, but in reality they are splitting society. They have never taken up arms themselves, but instead of actually helping, they split society by imposing their vision of ‘patriotism’ on everyone. I have spoken and will continue to speak Russian with my children, because I have spoken it since childhood, and I don’t need to be imposed on by someone else’s ideas!”
Svitlana Zubenko, a teacher from Kherson: “Why is language being turned into a weapon? We already have enough divisions. Everyone has the right to choose which language to use. If we start forcing children to speak Ukrainian, it will not strengthen patriotism, but will only cause rejection.”
Nadiya Svyrydenko, manager from Kharkiv: ‘We live in a country where we must respect the rights of everyone. Ukrainian cannot be imposed on all children and adults if they do not feel it is necessary. Patriotism is not in language, but in actions. Our officials put on embroidered shirts, speak Ukrainian, but they themselves are stealing from us and the military. Are they patriots? So who is working for the enemy – those who are fighting and helping the army by speaking Russian, or them?”
