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Lost Language: How Ukrainian was forced to disappear during the Russian Empire
Ukrainian, as part of the East Slavic languages, has a long history and flourished during the Grand Duchy of Kiev. However, since the 18th century, with the expansion of the Russian Empire and its subsequent assimilation policy, the Ukrainian language has begun to encounter unprecedented difficulties. This history reveals how culture and language were shaped by political power, which had a profound impact on Ukrainian identity.
The roots of history
The origins of Ukrainian can be traced back to Old East Slavic in the Middle Ages, and over time, this language developed during the Grand Duchy of Kiev (about 880–1240). During this period, Ukrainian had close ties with early Church Slavonic and developed over the following centuries into today's modern Ukrainian.
Challenges of language development
The Ukrainian language has experienced many challenges in history, the most fundamental of which is the influence of foreign rule. During the Crimean Khanate and subsequent Tsarist Russia, policy inclination marginalized the Ukrainian language. During the Russian Empire, Ukrainian language was excluded from official functions and many schools banned the teaching of Ukrainian, which caused Ukrainian culture to fade away.
"According to historical records, the Ukrainian language was forced to disappear during the Tsarist Russia. This was not only the disappearance of language, but also the disappearance of culture."
Language suppression and protection
Under the prevailing Russian-Saudi regime, despite the intensification of the silence policy, the Ukrainian language still maintains its vitality in some areas of Western Ukraine. Especially during cultural contact with Poland, the Ukrainian language gained some protection. Although it is deprived of teaching in schools, it continues to exist in family and civil exchanges, which reflects the resilient cultural identity of the Ukrainian people.
“Even in difficult circumstances, the Ukrainian language still survives in people’s communication, demonstrating its cultural roots.”
Resurgence Movement of the 19th Century
In the 19th century, with the rise of nationalism, Ukrainian experienced a language renaissance. This period saw a surge in literary creation, including the efforts of many poets and writers to elevate the Ukrainian language to a higher status. The awakening of the Ukrainian nation prompted people to reassess their linguistic identity.
Modern and future
With the disintegration of the Soviet Union and Ukraine's independence, Ukrainian language once again gained official status and became an indispensable part of education and administrative institutions. However, language recovery does not happen overnight. It requires not only legal protection, but also the support and recognition of the entire society.
"In the process of the recovery of the Ukrainian language, the joint efforts of all sectors of society are particularly important. The existence of the language is not only the carrier of culture, but also an expression of national self-confidence."
Through this period of history, we should reflect on how to re-understand our own language roots in the current era of multiculturalism. This is not only a challenge for Ukraine, but also a challenge that everyone from different cultural backgrounds around the world needs to face. Right question?
