IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STATE LANGUAGE POLICY IN UKRAINE: TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

The Ukrainian language is among the determining factors of the national identity of the Ukrainian people, shaped by the historical progress of an indomitable state in the center of Europe. With the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, it became a marker of citizens’ self-awareness, a sign of unity and freedom, and a distinction between “own” and “foreign”. Instead, the state language policy evolved from a nominative ideological postulate, scattered in declarative documents, into a tangible set of tools for protecting human rights and freedoms and the country’s language system as a whole. Despite the long-term lack of consistent steps to protect the constitutional status of the state language, which led to the creation of numerous legislative initiatives, programs and strategies, including some of a threatening nature, real historical changes in the linguistic landscape of the state began only with the enactment of the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as a State Language” (2019). This law provided guaranteed protection for the Ukrainian language as the state language, as well as the rights of Ukrainian citizens to information and services in the state language throughout the entire territory of the country. In addition to effective mechanisms for the protection of the state language, the emergence of the main language institutions, namely: the State Language Protection Commissioner, the National Commission for State Language Standards, made state language policies tangible. Cultural ideology, language stability, and high public trust in the establishment of national priorities became evident. This is also noticeable at the level of regional language policy implementation, which, emerging from a state of challenges and dangers to a high degree of state activity, public support, and mass transition to the Ukrainian language, represents the true defense of the rights of indomitable citizens during the most extensive Ukrainization of the century.

The relevance of studying the features of language policy implementation in Ukraine at the legislative level is based on the increasing understanding of Ukrainian language importance as an integral component of ensuring a nation’s identity and unity of the people as well as supporting for statehood. The main objective of the article is to study the implications and prospects for implementation of the language policy in Ukraine, taking into account the latest legislative innovations. The methodological framework provides for the use of methods of analysis, synthesis and a systematic approach for a comprehensive consideration of the processes of implementation of national language policy at the legislative level. To study the changes in the legislative regulation of language policy during the period of independence of Ukraine, the methods of study of documents and retrospective analysis were applied. The attitude of scientists to the situation of bilingualism has been also studied using the methods of comparison and generalization. As a result of the research, it was revealed that formation of a clear language policy is an essential condition for promoting the cohesion of a multi-ethnic Ukrainian society, inasmuch as the existing situation of bilingualism leads to a disunity of the nation. Although the Ukrainian language is defined by the state at the constitutional level, however, its introduction into all spheres of public life until 2014 was quite slow, especially in the eastern and southern regions. Since 2010, the language policy was actually aimed at reducing the use of the Ukrainian language and the dominance of Russian in the information and cultural space of Ukraine. Since 2012, Ukraine had a law that provided for legitimization of “regional languages” in certain areas (it was declared as unconstitutional one in February 2018). The prospect of implementation of language policy at the legislative level is adoption of the Law “On ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language” (passed the first reading on October 4, 2018), which defines the Ukrainian language as the only state language, establishing the requirements for fluency in the Ukrainian language and its use in the work of state authorities and public areas.

Problem statement. Throughout the history of Ukraine's independence, the issue of language regulation has always played a particularly important role in society. After all, language is one of the main attributes of the sovereignty of every state. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian state inherited not only the cultural values and language guidelines artificially imposed by the totalitarian regime, but also imperfect legislation in the field of state language policy, which ensured the dominance of the Russian language in Ukraine. The lack of a stable state language policy and conflicts in the legal field were often used by political groups in order to produce contradictory and hostile sentiments in Ukrainian society; distract society from economic and social problems; to provide a favorable basis for justifying further aggression by the Russian Federation in order to avoid legal liability under international law. In addition, in the current context of a hybrid war with Russia, the creation of a full-fledged legal framework in the field of language policy is of particular importance in the context of national security.The purpose of the article is to determine the role of each of the six presidents of Ukraine in the formation of language policy in terms of ensuring the proper functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language. The purpose of the article is realized through the following tasks: to study the regulations on ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language, which were developed during the term of each of the presidents of Ukraine, to analyze and organize them, to show a holistic picture of Ukraine's state language policy. based on the results of the study to form recommendations for its improvement.Main material. The article analyzes the activities of all presidents of independent Ukraine and outlines their role in the formation of Ukraine's language policy in 1991-2020. Three key laws and constitutional provisions are described, based on which normative legal acts in the sphere of functioning of the state and other languages in Ukraine were created. An attempt has been made to generalize the legal framework of these years to understand the direction of further work to improve the legal regulation of the language issue.Conclusions. The issue of language in Ukrainian statehood remains one of the most pressing. For almost thirty years of independent Ukraine, the state, in particular, and all six presidents have not completed the process of forming a holistic language policy that would allow the smooth functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state in all spheres of public life throughout Ukraine, while ensuring the coexistence of minority languages. in places of their compact residence.The development of Ukrainian language policy is inextricably linked to the general political process in Ukraine and the change in political cycles that occurs de jure and de facto after each presidential election. Thus, under L. Kravchuk, a gradual de-Russification began in education and other spheres of public life, which was caused by the restoration of independence and significant public demand.Later, during his election campaign in the South and East, where most Russian-speaking citizens live, Kuchma used the language issue. Although the Constitution of Ukraine was adopted during his term, in Article 10 of which the Ukrainian language is defined as the state language, most of the legal framework concerning the language has been formed, and de facto Ukrainian has not received all the declared rights.Mr. Yushchenko, who came to power thanks to the events of the Orange Revolution and large-scale processes of national revival, became hostage to the political situation at the time, forcing him to relinquish many of the powers of the President in favor of Parliament and Government. As a result, most of his initiatives to improve language policy have remained mere declarations, and misinterpretations of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages ratified in 2006 have led to a so-called parade of linguistic sovereignties in some parts of the country, which in turn exacerbated the language issue in Ukrainian society.With the coming to power of Viktor Yanukovych, the issue of returning the Russian language to all spheres of public life became his priority. The period of Viktor Yanukovych's presidency is characterized by rapid and decisive action to develop the relevant legislation. In 2012, the Law on the Principles of State Language Policy was adopted, which became a powerful basis for the return of Russification to all spheres of life. The adoption of the law caused a wave of discontent in society. It is believed that the struggle for the Ukrainian language was one of the impetus for the Revolution of Dignity and the overthrow of the regime of Viktor Yanukovych.The next political cycle, which began after the election of President Poroshenko, was marked by progress in the formation of the Ukrainian language as the state language, the expansion of its use. During his term, the Law on the Principles of State Language Policy was repealed, significant amendments were made to legislation related to the development of the Ukrainian language, and finally the Law on Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State Language was approved. the role of the Ukrainian language increased.However, with the coming to power of V. Zelensky, pro-Russian forces intensified, trying to undermine the status of the Ukrainian by proposing significant changes to the legislation, appealing to the decision of the Venice Commission. However, V. Zelensky believes that the issue of language in Ukraine is artificial.Thus, at the present stage, for the full functioning of language policy, the state needs to legislate the issue of determining the language rights of indigenous peoples and national minorities. At the same time, there is a need to finally form a holistic system of language legislation by eliminating contradictory and inconsistent norms of laws governing the use of languages in various spheres of state and public life.

Language policy (LP) in Ukraine has a political and historical context of unique complexity. This article is an attempt to offer an overview of LP in Ukraine between 1989-2019. Within the past 30 years we can identify different directions in state LP reflecting the complex linguistic situation and its fragile balance in the country. Such a complex linguistic situation served as a starting point of any LP activities maintained by the two great - almost equally supported - Ukrainophile and Russophile political camps. But during the nation state building process (after Ukraine gained independence in 1991), the LP and legislation aimed to regulate language use became more and more a target associated with the Russophile political regime, and consequently their days were numbered. After the Euromaidan revolution, Ukraine adopted several policies and laws in support of the Ukrainian language. The most important of them is the recent law “On ensuring the functioning of Ukrainian as the state language”, which greatly expands protection for Ukrainian throughout the territory. This law has been defined by its detractors as a “draconian law” which introduces the “total forced ukrainization”. But beyond legal disputes, the purpose of the law, even if not the only one, is to reverse centuries of Russification, which led to what some term the “linguicide” of the Ukrainian language. In addition to this, in the circumstances of conflict still ongoing between Russia and Ukraine, the support for the Ukrainian language is viewed by many as a national security issue. The article is enriched by sociological surveys conducted in the country over time showing how Ukrainians have supported recent changes in LP and language legislation.

The term roadmap has recently entered our lexicon, especially in the context of planning and implementing various projects. It is a detailed plan of action that defines the sequence of steps necessary to achieve a formulated goal. In the field of education, a roadmap is a kind of а guide for a scientific and pedagogical employee and a student, which helps to organize the learning process effectively. The purpose of the article is to share the experience of developing and conducting a practical lesson on a relevant topic, as well as to stimulate scientific and methodical discussions on effective methods of teaching the Ukrainian language in a professional context. Methods: pedagogical experiment, observation and recording, analysis of the obtained data, generalization. Results. In the article, the term ‘roadmap of a practical class’ is understood as amethodological tool aimed at ensuring the systematicity, logical consistency, andinteractivity of the educational process. It includes a description of all components of the lesson: from the formulation of the goal and the definition of expected results to instructions for completing tasks and assignments. The study is based on materials for creating the roadmap for the topic "Language Situation and Language Policy in Ukraine", which is one of the first in the list of topics for practical classes of theeducational component "Ukrainian Language for Professional Purposes". It provides for revealing key aspects of the Ukrainian language functioning in society, to form students' national-linguistic consciousness, and to develop their ability to critically evaluate linguistic phenomena.students' national-linguistic consciousness, and to develop their ability to critically evaluate linguistic phenomena. The proposed roadmap serves as a tool for creating a modern educationalenvironment that ensures the active participation of students in the learning process. Emphasis is laid on the development of critical thinking, the formation of linguistic stability, national-linguistic consciousness, and the awareness of the importance of the Ukrainian language as the state language in professional and everyday activities. Conclusions. The study's methodical findings contribute to the upbringing of aresponsible position regarding language processes, which is important for the preservation of national identity and the harmonious development of society.

The article provides a critical analysis of the leading ideas and fundamental principles of the social doctrine (teachings) of the Orthodox churches operating in Ukraine and interprets the key dominants and the specifics of their implementation of the strategic goals of the state language policy in Ukraine. The main aim is to investigate the problems of the reception of the state language strategy by Orthodox communities with different jurisdictions and to clearly clarify and justify the risks and dangers arising from the attitude to the language policy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is under the canonical subordination of the Mosokovsky Patriarchate. As a result of the study, it was proved that the role and place of Orthodox communities in the implementation of the strategic goals of language policy in Ukraine is different. Their participation in the process of implementation of the state language policy is equally ambiguous, and even openly contradictory in terms of ideological and value orientation and methods of implementation. In the case of the activity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, it is subversive, anti-state, harmful and poses a threat to the national security of Ukraine. The material of the article has important theoretical and practical significance in view of the integral critical justification of the state language strategy of the UOC MP and OCU as dominant vector-oriented politically oriented Orthodox jurisdictions, which is actualized in the conditions of modern challenges and leading trends and, in particular, due to the need to implement the life of legal norms, defined by the Law of Ukraine "On the protection of the constitutional system in the sphere of activities of religious organizations".

The article is an attempt to show the functionality of orthology in the media sphere and to analyze the communicative and ethical aspects in the Ukrainian WWW segment. The role of educational portals in promoting the Ukrainian language and improving certain provisions of its style and culture are explained; effectiveness of network resources in the process of self-education is investigated. The author drew the attention of users to important educational publications, portals of language policy in Ukraine and the world, blogs, forums on the Internet platform. Objective of the study is to show the functionality of orthology in the field of mass media; analyze the communicative and ethical aspects of language culture; to find out the role of public discussions of scientists in improving Ukrainian spelling; to track the filling of online resources with educational publications, blogs, forums on the Internet platform and their importance for learning Ukrainian as a state language. Ukrainian orthology, as a science of language culture, tells society the path to mobile literacy. Polls show that readers do not trust the author if the material contains grammatical or logical errors. This is associated with the superficiality of knowledge. Given the wide range of issues that disrupt educational portals, researchers should constantly make content analyzes of publications and make practical recommendations for the future. Internet resources have a chance to be the focus of society’s needs. Studies of Internet resources in the Ukrainian segment of the World Wide Web have shown that the virtual platform provides a presentation of public opinion on issues of language policy in Ukraine, educational reform, functioning of the Ukrainian language as a state language. However, it is difficult to do this on a volunteer basis, and requires state support for the publication of dictionaries, textbooks, an electronic library, and more. In social networks, the issue of the Ukrainian language is the main topic in public discussion, first of all the language law of Ukraine, the new edition of the Ukrainian spelling, the problems of culture and stylistics of business communication. In electronic versions of printed editions, readers express their support for the state language and demand implementation of the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as State” (2019). Ukrainian orthology develops as a doctrine of the culture of speech in many aspects; communicative intention, empathetic essence, pervasive influence. The level of knowledge of the Ukrainian language in Ukraine is a manifestation of the general culture of its citizens. Language consciousness is an integral part of language culture. On the Internet platform, the opportunities for successful mastering of the imperative rules of the Ukrainian language culture and the dissemination of information are competently and aesthetically created. Orthology aims to regulate dispositive and apodictic norms in the culture of mass communication. Orthology, together with stylistics and rhetoric, regulates linguistic etiquette, defines the criteria of aesthetic speech. The ethics of the word eliminates the manipulation of linguistic means. Key words: Ukrainian Language; orthology; norm; persuasive communication; visual information; apodicticity.

The article provides a comparative analysis of the language policy experience in the CIS countries and the Republic of Kazakhstan. To understand the current language situation in Kazakhstan, the achievements and shortcomings of the language policy of the countries coming from the Soviet system are demonstrated. To improve the state language policy, models that exist in the CIS countries and proposals that are useful for Kazakh science were presented. Taking into account the current state of the state language, the peculiarities of the development of the language situation in multiethnic countries, including the methods adopted by the CIScountries to solve the problems of forming the state language policy, the need for a new language policy is determined in Kazakh society. This indicates the relevance of the study. The study describes the impact of the difficult language situation in Kazakhstan after gaining independence on the state language policy. Based on the current language situation, the direction of further progress of language policy in the Republic of Kazakhstan will be determined. The article takes into account the experience of language policy in the Baltic states when the language situation was similar to Kazakhstan, and significant phenomena in the course of their implementation allow Kazakhstan to develop and implement a more effective language policy concerning national and foreign languages. Within the framework of the specifics of language policy in these countries, issues of functioning and Status feature, a review of legislation will be conducted. As an example, the reforms in the field of language that prompted Alash figures to do this, as well as the works of scientists who were engaged in systematic improvement of the use of the native language in life, both in the later and modern periods, are given. Data on the language policy of Kazakhstan in the Soviet system and documents on the statelanguage policy in modern Kazakhstan are analyzed. Looking at historical and social factors affecting the policy, activity, and development of the state language from the point of view of social linguistics, the authors make proposals for the development of the status and policy of the state language.

The article is devoted to the study of the influence of the language policy on political stability in Ukraine. The article examines the current provisions of the Ukrainian legislation related to the development of language policy, as well as the provisions of the latest draft laws on the status of languages in Ukraine. The authors have analyzed recent trends in the development of language policy, which are a source of destabilization in modern Ukraine.The problem of ethno-political stability becomes one of the key problems for the modern Ukrainian state. This issue was on a par with socio-economic issues and foreign policy interaction. Its scientific analysis is necessary to determine the impact of the state language policy implemented in Ukraine on the development of all regions of the country, which have significant differences in their national composition, history and traditions. In this context, the study of this issue has not only theoretical but also practical importance.One of the draft laws regulating the language sphere assumes that foreign citizens who intend to obtain Ukrainian citizenship will have to take exams in the Ukrainian language. The required level of proficiency will be determined by the national Commission on the standards of the Ukrainian language. It will be created if the bill is passed by Parliament. This Commission will be entrusted with the task of determining the necessary level of proficiency in the state language for the persons willing to occupy certain positions.The bill provides for the introduction of mandatory use of the state Ukrainian language by various authorities. It provides for the use of the Ukrainian language not only for documentation, but also for pre-election campaigns carried out at the expense of the state budget. The main trends that occur in the language sphere of Ukraine prove that they are part of the processes that occur in all the former republics of the USSR. They include the revival of interest in the national language and national culture, the desire to expand the social functions of the national language in different spheres of communication in each of the newly independent states and constitute a part of the process of statehood assertion.

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.

The article examines the new language policy in Ukraine’s educational sphere, focusing on the implementation of the Law of Ukraine No. 3760-IX, “On the Use of the English Language in Ukraine.” The authors examine the legal, organizational, and sociocultural aspects of incorporating English as a language of international communication into the educational process. Particular attention is given to the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 594 of May 23, 2025, which outlines a list of positions requiring English language proficiency. The article highlights the advantages of this approach, including increased academic mobility, access to international resources, and enhanced competitiveness among graduates. At the same time, it identifies systemic challenges, including staff shortages, unequal access to language education, regulatory ambiguity, and the lack of financial and methodological support mechanisms. The need for transitional provisions for current employees, state-funded upskilling programs, and differentiated language requirements is emphasized. The authors propose regulatory and institutional measures for effective policy implementation grounded in principles of inclusivity, continuity, and European integration. In conclusion, the article argues that the successful implementation of the new language policy is a crucial condition for modernizing Ukrainian education in the context of globalization and for enhancing the country’s position in the global academic and professional landscape.

The paper discusses the current state and the prospects of language planning and language policy in Ukraine from the perspective of their conformity with the European language ideologies, sociolinguistic principles and practical approaches. Since late 20th century language policy in Ukraine has been determined by the battle of two antagonistic language ideologies: 1) advocating the spread of Ukrainian into public spheres from which it was ousted or denied access to by the centuries of imperial domination and 2) conservation of colonial legacy accompanied by appeals to western-type liberal values of human rights and individual freedom. Under the pretext of implementing the principles of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages pro-Russian political forces tried to impede the spread of Ukrainian into public life and to conserve the language situation caused by Russian assimilation policy. As a result, the reputation of the Charter in Ukraine was seriously damaged. Sociological surveys show that Ukrainian speakers prevail among those striving for the country’s membership in the EU and NATO, while those rejecting the prospects of the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration are mostly Russophones. Since the start of the full-scale military aggression of Russia against Ukraine the number of Ukrainian citizens shifting from Russian to Ukrainian in their daily intercourse is ever growing. Symbolically they distance themselves from the ideology of the so called Russian World and join the ranks of the supporters of either Ukrainian monolingualism or of bilingualism with the sufficient knowledge of the state language. There are indications that the feasibility of implementation of the Charter towards Russian and some other languages in Ukraine could be questioned. Yet taking into account that the Charter recognizes that protection of regional or minority languages should not be to the detriment of the official language or threaten territorial integrity of the country, there is no sound reason for its denunciation.

The language policy of the president is a criterion for determining the internal values of any country and an indicator of the state’s foreign policy course. The president’s policy demonstrates the situation with the provision of language rights, including national minorities. These aspects are particularly important for those international partners who have close historical and cultural connections. Open support for global language standards is a demonstration of respect for linguistic diversity and democratic values. Previously, as now, the main direction is comprehensive support for the development and popularization of the state language as a symbol of national identity. However, the processes of globalization, military conflicts, migration, and close international cooperation currently pose new demands. Today requires a balance in the process of ensuring the rights of all participants in language relations, demonstrating a policy based on the principles of equality, impartiality, fairness, and tolerance. The president’s language policy shapes the positive or negative image of the state. This is especially important for those countries that plan to become a part of the European family in the future. After all, a policy based on adherence to international law, the principles of linguistic equality, and the protection of minority rights are key requirements of international organizations such as the Council of Europe. State support for international language projects, educational and cultural exchanges promote close cooperation with global partners, strengthening international support and trust. Currently, as Ukraine is in a state of war, respect for the Ukrainian language as the state language is a factor that promotes the unity of the Ukrainian people in the struggle against the Russian “older brother” and in resisting Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Supporting the study and popularization of English as the language of international communication in Ukraine is a priority direction of today’s language policy. After all, language is currently an element of a common defense scheme, one of the main tools for barrier-free communication with international partners in the process of fighting the enemy.

Доведено необхідність державного регулювання мовних питань, законодавчого закріплення державної мови та запровадження механізмів реалізації цієї політики на всіх рівнях управління. Уточнено низку понять, таких як “державна мовна політика”, “державне регулювання мовних питань”, “механізми формування та реалізації мовної політики”. Розглянуто можливість та доцільність використання сучасних інструментів та технологій реалізації мовної політики, серед яких: зв’язки з громадськістю, або PR, соціальна реклама, мовний маркетинг тощо.

The article analyzes the impact of ethno-linguistic policy on the separatism and political instability in Ukraine. The article examines the current provisions of the legislation of Ukraine on the development of language policy, as well as the provisions of the latest Law on the status of the state language in Ukraine.Ukraine has severalspecific features from the linguistic point of view, they are: bilingualism, uneven distribution of Russian and Ukrainian languages on the territory of the country and in different sectors of the social sphere, as well as ethno-linguistic, social and socio-cultural polarization of the Western, Central and South-Eastern parts of the country.
 
 The Ukrainian language was recognized as the state languagein Ukraine in 1989. This preceded the signing of the Declaration on the State Independence of Ukraine in 1991. From that moment on, the Ukrainian language is considered a symbol of the new Ukraine. Raising the status of the Ukrainian language has become one of the central issues in the process of building an independent state. 
 
 The UN Security Council discussion in July 2019 on the language policy in Ukraine showed the world community's concern over the problem of ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens and national minorities in Ukraine in connection with the adoption of the Law on the legal status of the state Ukrainian language and its use in education and public life.
 
 The analysis focuses on the trends in the development of language policy, which is the source of aggravation of social processes in the form of separatism and destabilization of modern Ukraine and attempts of its modern political regime to finally complete the reorientation from Russia to the West at the legislative language level.