Ukrainization at risk: why young people are opting for the Russian language.

Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language Taras Kremin reported signs of a slowdown in the process of Ukrainization in 2024.

He noted that the Russian adversary continues to counteract Ukrainian identity, influencing the consciousness of young Ukrainians through social networks, Telegram channels, and media, especially in the south and east of the country.

Kremin emphasized that there is a decrease in the proportion of participants in the educational process who consider the Ukrainian language their native tongue: among students — by 17%, parents — by 11%, and teachers — by 8%.

There has also been a decline in the use of the Ukrainian language in educational settings, while the presence of the Russian language in the online space and social networks has increased.

Particular concern is raised regarding the linguistic environment among youth. Only 37% of students communicate with friends in Ukrainian, while 39% do so at home. Additionally, the number of students who prefer the Ukrainian language online has decreased by 10%.

Slowdown in Ukrainization: Why Is It Happening

According to the ombudsman, monitoring by the State Service for Quality of Education in recent years shows that teachers, students, and parents confirm a decrease in the use of the Ukrainian language in the educational process. This trend is particularly noticeable in schools, especially during remote learning when teachers often resorted to using Russian-language materials.

Moreover, an analysis of youth activity on social networks, such as TikTok and Instagram, revealed a reduction in the share of Ukrainian content. This is especially true for schoolchildren and students — the demographic with the greatest influence on the linguistic future of the country. However, data from the Ukrainian Book Institute indicates a positive trend in reading in the Ukrainian language. Nonetheless, linguistic duality in everyday life and educational settings remains a problem.

"Therefore, by considering these three studies, it is not difficult to understand that we are talking about young Ukrainians who lack a stable linguistic environment in the educational process. Consequently, this affects their language culture and behavior on social networks, where they are not restricted. This is a direct consequence of the bilingual regime in the home environment," the language ombudsman continues.

Taras Kremin emphasizes that this supposed decline in Ukrainization is not something unexpected. Previous studies were conducted among the adult population and did not take into account children under 18, who were primarily engaged in remote learning at that time.

During Zoom conferences, Google Meet, etc., teachers allowed themselves to use the state language only sporadically. This could include isolated parts of lessons, films, or texts, as well as assignments and assessments conducted in the state language. Such situations were observed in both schools and universities.

However, after returning to in-person education, the Ministry of Education and other institutions were able to organize surveys among participants in the educational process. In particular, the State Service for Quality of Education conducted research in an open format using its own methodologies.

"The results indicate that, overall, there is a positive trend in the use of the state language in Ukraine. However, hardly anyone has conducted systematic surveys among children. This is where the main threat lies, as the lack of research among the youth may conceal real problems," the ombudsman states.

Ukrainian Children Abroad: What Language They Learn and How It Affects the Country's Future

Kremin highlights that Ukraine currently lacks complete information about the situation of children abroad. Approximately half a million Ukrainian children, along with their parents, are there. According to him, complaints are now coming in, for example, from Berlin or Prague, that some Ukrainian citizens wish to study in Russian. Moreover, some Ukrainians, instead of enrolling in Saturday or Sunday Ukrainian schools, have opted for educational centers established by the aggressor country.

"This is a serious issue. We see how enemy propaganda operates through their centers, educational initiatives, and cultural projects. This situation poses a challenge to our national security. There is great hope for the upcoming meetings initiated by the Ministry of Culture, where we will ask all ministries to focus on the issue of the Ukrainian language. We need to approach this matter systematically, as language is not only the responsibility of the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language. This is a constitutional issue that concerns every Ukrainian," the ombudsman states.

There are also certain informational threats, such as those arising from social networks. Russian narratives are spreading through TikTok and Telegram, particularly impacting the youth. Today, the issue of internet regulation in Ukraine needs serious consideration. This should become a priority for both the Commissioner and the National Security Council.

"The question of protecting the Ukrainian language is significantly deeper than it may seem. It is not just a cultural issue — it is the foundation of our statehood and national identity. We need to emphasize all aspects and ensure proper protection of the language as part of our constitutional system," Kremin notes.

The ombudsman urged parents to pay closer attention to raising their children, encouraging them to communicate in Ukrainian at school, at home, on social media, and when choosing cultural products. He emphasized that the language in which children communicate today will determine the linguistic future of Ukraine.

Recall that on November 2, in the "Sens" bookstore-café in the capital, unknown men of robust physique attacked a visitor who made a remark to them regarding the use of the Russian language in the establishment. Law enforcement officials have identified the offender and located him.