Each month, The Ukrainian Observer visits Kyiv bars popular with expats to obtain answers to a common question. This month,
The Observer visited people at O'Brien's Irish Pub.
The language debate primarily the question of the Russian language•s place in the country - is important to Ukrainians. The issue is such a ”hot button• that political parties have used the debate as a campaign issue. For Ukrainians, language preference may be a matter of nationalism or reflect a bond with Russia and the CIS. For foreigners, it may be more a case of utility do I speak the language that dominates the region, or the national tongue of the place I presently live?
We asked this month's Board of Drinkers:
"Ukrainian or Russian - Which language would you recommend that a new colleague learn, and why?“
’Russian - Although Ukrainian may be a simpler language to learn. Russian is spoken all over Eastern Europe and is more universal. So if the individual aims to do some traveling, Russian may be a better language to learn.“
Bert Thacker,
Smile Dental Clinic.
Two weeks in Ukraine.
’Ukraine is now separate from the old USSR and should remember its heritage and own language, but as a British expat, I appreciate that the majority speak Russian.“
James Curran,
British Defense Ministry.
Three years in Ukraine.
’The future of Ukraine may depend on the identity its citizens select, Russian or Ukrainian. If Russia prevails politically, the language will likely remain Russian-dominated. If the ”new democracy• of Ukraine nationalism prevails, the Ukrainian language will be spoken. I choose the latter for my colleagues.“
Tom Brewster,
University of Colorado.
40 days annually inUkraine.
’I would suggest that learning Russian is the wisest choice initially as it is the predominant language used in business and socially, and enables a new colleague to quickly adapt and to form effective channels of communication. However, I don•t advise that the Ukrainian language be ignored, as it is a beautiful, lyrical language, a knowledge of which shows respect for Ukraine and Ukrainian identity and culture.“
Peter J. Worswick,
PJW Business Solutions.
Three years in Ukraine.
’Ukrainian, definitely. After so many years of ”Russification,• a bit of Ukrainian nationalism is healthy. If Ukraine is ever going to be known as an independent country, it needs to hold on to its wealth of traditions and culture. The Ukrainian language is a safe and wonderful way to retain some of these. If I worked in Germany, I•d learn German. Why should Ukraine be any different?
Michael Owens,
Kyiv International University.
Nine months in Ukraine.
Ukrainian. Language is a central element in unifying a people and developing a sense of nation. For more than 600 years, Ukraine has been characterized by statelessness, in large part because Ukrainians have been controlled by outside nations (including Poland, Russia and Sweden). It is essential that Ukrainians develop a sense of national pride, and language is a key.“
Prof. Robert Booth
University of Colorado.
One week in Ukraine.
’Russian is spoken everywhere due to the recent history of the country, so I would suggest that this is the first priority. However, Ukrainians are a proud and generous people, so it would be respectful to learn their language, too.“
Robert M. Robertson,
University College, London.
One week in Ukraine.
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