THE PHENOMENON OF BILINGUALISM IN UKRAINE THROUGH THE PRISM OF LINGUISTIC INTERFERENCE

Abstract

The phenomenon of bilingualism is the main component and result of the interaction of different language systems, which may be related. This phenomenon contributes to the emergence of language contacts, which are manifested through the phenomenon of linguistic interference. The real language situation in Ukraine today is active Ukrainian-Russian bilingualism, which is due to long cultural and political ties between the countries. The long period of Ukraine’s stay, first as part of Russia, and then in the Soviet Union, led to the presence of bilingualism on its territory. Today, regardless of the place – on the street, in institutions, organizations, enterprises or even within the boundaries of the same family, you can hear both Ukrainian and Russian languages. Most citizens of Ukraine are bilingual, that is, people who speak both languages well. The linguistic situation in which two languages function in the same territory has both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, such language contact contributes to the mutual enrichment of language systems, which leads to an increase in the vocabulary of each of them. However, on the other hand, the lack of conscious use of specific national words can lead to a violation of literary norms and negatively affect the quality of speech communication. The article considered the concept of bilingualism in Ukraine and its connection with linguistic interference. Examples of linguistic interaction occurring under conditions of bilingualism are given, as well as the consequences of this phenomenon for the linguistic culture and ethnic identity of the population are described. The article also analyzed the historical prerequisites for the phenomenon of bilingualism. There are ways to overcome the negative consequences of linguistic interference in the conditions of bilingualism, which include the development of speech culture, support of the Ukrainian language, the use of bilingual methods, the development of speech selfawareness and the reduction of interlingual informational competition. In addition to preventing the negative consequences of bilingualism, these ways can help preserve the literary purity of the Ukrainian language. It was determined that the state should stimulate the use of the Ukrainian language in all spheres of life, ensure its protection from the excessive influence of other languages, and promote its development.