The material is dedicated to Ukrainian Language Day and Literacy Day.
Nations do not die of a heart attack.
First, they lose their language.
Lina Kostenko
According to the research results, it was found that 57% of the surveyed students who lived in the occupied territories or in the conflict zone used to communicate in Russian, but due to current events, they have started speaking Ukrainian. In 43% of cases, the language of communication has not changed: 29% – Ukrainian, 14% – Russian.
However, among students who have not lived in the mentioned territories, the statistics differ more: 33% used to and still speak Russian, 33% switched from Russian to Ukrainian, and 33% communicate in “surzhyk” (a mix of Ukrainian and Russian).
To the question “Do you consider it important for Ukrainian citizens to communicate in the Ukrainian language?”, 80% answered that it is very important, while 20% believe it is a personal choice for each individual. Almost all students, except one who lived in the occupied territories, share the belief that the transition of citizens to the state language is highly significant. All interviewees who changed their language of communication believe that it has a positive impact on personal identity.
It is worth noting that all students from temporarily occupied territories and the conflict zone assessed their level of knowledge as follows: 43% – high, 43% – sufficient, and 14% – average. Based on these answers, we can conclude that people from these territories have a good command of the state language, which is a positive indicator.
Regarding the importance of the Day of Ukrainian Literature and Language: 20% of students abstained, 10% do not consider this day significant, but it is encouraging that 70% regard it as a special holiday.
In the question about associations evoked by this day, 40% mentioned the All-Ukrainian Radio Dictation of National Unity. 70% of the surveyed students took part in it, and 10% even achieved victory. Motivations for participating in the dictation included unity (40%), knowledge assessment (30%), practice (10%), interest (10%), and grades (10%). Some students were not motivated and did not participate.
The main goal of the radio dictation is seen as the promotion of the language and the improvement of the language skills among Ukrainians by 60%, while 10% claim that it is not entirely the case.
In this way, we can determine how events in Ukraine influence the attitudes of students toward the language, the day dedicated to it, and the well-known dictation. Specifically, the transition from Russian to Ukrainian, understanding the importance of their choices, and having a reasoned motivation are more pronounced among respondents from temporarily occupied territories and the conflict zone. This is a basis for asserting that the place of residence and the events occurring in that territory influence the interests, values, and beliefs of its residents.
During the period from October 24 to October 26, a survey was conducted among higher education students at the Volodymyr Dahl Eastern Ukrainian National University. The survey was carried out with students aged 16 to 24, who are citizens of Ukraine.
