Мовна політика і практика: суперечності визначення та реалізації

Abstract

The article analyzes the problems and contradictions of implementation of language policy of the state, states that while the state language policy is being implemented in Ukraine, the appropriate conditions for the Ukrainian language elevation as the dominant are not fully established. The author justifies proposals to strengthen the motivation to use the state language and raise its prestige.Ukrainian national identity can be most successfully expressed through a language, and the language appears, develops, functions and exists in the society and it is not only a creation of the history of society, but also its active factor. The processes of ethno-national identity and implementation of the Ukrainian language are interconnected and dependent on each other. Formation of ethnic group without a language is impossible, because the latter is one of the key features of the nation. The important characteristics that influence modern linguistic situation in Ukrainian society are Ukrainian-Russian bilingualism and diglossy; the coexistence of three nationally, culturally, socially and politically different regions in a single state (West, South and East, Centre and North); formal character of linguistic policy in the state; and the lack of really high social status of the Ukrainian language. The language factor in the formation of national consciousness of a personality and formation of the Ukrainian political nation is historically determined. At present the relationship between the state and the language not only requires the development and implementation of new mechanisms of language policy aimed at the protection of democratic values, but also a thorough systematic approach to the development of the state language as the language that units and preserves the unique traits of the people. The priority of language policy in modern Ukraine should be the assertion and development of Ukrainian as the state language because the state status of the Ukrainian language is a stabilizing factor in strengthening the unity of the Ukrainian society, the identification of citizens as a unique nation, and a factor of sovereignty and security of the country. Solidarity of society should shape national identity of each individual and, first of all, the realization of citizens that they belong to a common linguistic and cultural space. Therefore, the usage of a single state language is the key to its political stability.