Питання мовного критерію в наративах українських письменників і пересічних українців

Abstract

The issue of language criteria and language choice is becoming increasingly important, although it arose long ago and worried many people. Nowadays, the choice of language is not only the choice of national identifier, but also the presentation of cultural and educational environment, evidence of respect for the language and culture of the indigenous people of Ukraine, belonging to an ethnic group that defends its independence in battle. The article analyzes the issues of language criteria and language choice in the practice of writing works of art and everyday life, actualized in the narratives of Ukrainian writers, ordinary residents of Luhansk region (mostly graduates). To do this, we use the method of describing narratives, paying attention to the theme of the narrative and the way of expressing opinions. The analysis involves mainly journalistic or, occasionally, artistic, thoughts of writers and students. Narratives about the «language criterion» in choosing the language of communication and writing works of art usually have all the marks of a journalistic style. And although they do not have a sharp plot line, as in the stories, the chain of events in the narratives are the evidence that the author selects to substantiate his opinion. Both literary and student narratives have much in common. In particular, it is the assertion of the position that language is the soul of the nation, it is a means of identifying the people, a means of communication and mastery of knowledge. Motives that refer to the native language are often related to the mother’s or father’s word, the native land. The choice of language must be conscious, then speaker feels its beauty, uniqueness, connection with culture, history. Among the motives for choosing the language of communication, students call beauty, its melodiousness; the uniqueness of the native land where the Ukrainian language is spoken. It is also important for students that language is a means and source of personal development, a means of self-identification.