Why Do Many Ukrainians Speak Russian as Their First Language?

Centuries ago, three branches of the ancient Russian people evolved into distinct groups with their own unique dialects. Northern, Southern, and Western dialects gradually took shape, each with its own nuances and vocabulary. This evolution laid the groundwork for the linguistic landscape of Eastern Europe, including what would become Ukraine.

Linguistic Dialects and Unification

Historically, the reunification of Greater Russia saw one dialect rise to prominence. This refined vernacular became the literary and artistic foundation of the Russian Empire during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The other two dialects, though, remained relatively humble, often associated with the uneducated peasant class and local, rural topics.

Terms like 'cow dung', 'hay', 'huts', 'bees', 'tits', and 'bacon' were prevalent in the vernacular, reflecting the simpler, agrarian lifestyle. While it's true that the other dialects could have developed into more sophisticated forms, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Leningrad's advancements ensured that they stayed behind.

The Soviet Influence

The advent of the Soviet Union brought about significant changes. The Soviet system not only preserved and developed the Ukrainian tongue but also introduced millions of rural and working-class Russians to the modern, standard Russian language. This transformation was facilitated through universal, free education, mass media, cinema, and other cultural vehicles. By the 20th century, Russian had become a leading world language, alongside English.

People from diverse ethnic backgrounds across the USSR, including Ukrainians and Belarusians, were exposed to and learned this new, standardized Russian. This included younger generations who were no longer confined to the limited language of their village grannies. Instead, they embraced modern Russian, a language that allowed them to engage with the broader world of space exploration, computer science, and other advanced fields.

Preservation and Development of Ukrainian

Despite the prominence of Russian, the Soviet system encouraged the preservation and development of Ukrainian. Efforts were made to ensure that Ukrainian remained a vibrant and evolving language, with its own unique literary and artistic contributions. The government even supported preservation efforts for hundreds of other languages and cultures within the Soviet Union.

While Russian was the lingua franca in many spheres, Ukrainian continued to thrive, particularly in areas like literature, education, and media. Efforts to promote Ukrainian were ongoing, ensuring that it remained an important and respected language in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The linguistic journey of Ukraine and its people is a testament to the complex interplay of historical and cultural factors. While many Ukrainians speak Russian as their first language, the evolution of Ukrainian, both linguistically and culturally, has been significant. Understanding this evolution can provide valuable insights into the ongoing linguistic and cultural identity of Ukraine.