Which language is the closest to Ukrainian?

[Kathy]

Happy to see you back gunner! Isn't Arsenal in first place right now?

I don't have problems with different spellings - I use "Odesa" now because that's what I read on Ukie sites, but "Odessa" is not offensive either.

I agree language should not be forced - it should develop naturally, although encouraging language study is positive. Canada has had good experiences this way.

[StasUA]

Hey mates.

I've read the question stated in the essence of the particular topic, but didn't real all the replies, so maybe someone answered it before me already

It is without question that the closest language to Ukrainian would be Polish. However, I'm not sure about Slovakian, I know that it is very similar as well. When I was in Slovakia(which was a very long time ago) I spoke Ukrainian to everybody and they understood it. However when I was in Poland, it was just so simple that all you had to do is read sort of Germanic letters and you'll hear Ukrainian language.

However that is the standard legal literal Ukrainian. I am not talking about different dialects spoken in different parts of Ukraine.

One would say that Russian is closest to Ukrainian and would be absolutely mistaken. This notion comes to us, because virtually everybody in Ukraine knows Russian. Which DOES NOT MAKE UKRAINIAN ANY CLOSER TO RUSSIAN, I must note.

Polish, Slovakian, Serbian and Belarusian would all be very-very similar to Ukrainian.

There are minor differences in pronunciations, and if you have experience with different cultures you will adjust quickly. For example: Ukrainian "dobre" is Polish "dobzhe", which is good. And Russian horosho doesn't fit in any way...

I possess some experience in this field and may present more examples. However my contribution has directed the question I believe and answered it( I would hope it did ).

Glory to Ukraine, cheers mates!

[dassax]

Guys you all forgot about Belarusian. It is the closest language to Ukrainian in grammar and vocabular, but phology is different.
P.S. Strange but why this forum does not have Belarus when regestering?
Whether the owners of the site have joined us with Russia already?

[Zbyszek]

Originally posted by StasUA
Hey mates.
...
It is without question that the closest language to Ukrainian would be Polish. However, I'm not sure about Slovakian, I know that it is very similar as well. When I was in Slovakia(which was a very long time ago) I spoke Ukrainian to everybody and they understood it. However when I was in Poland, it was just so simple that all you had to do is read sort of Germanic letters and you'll hear Ukrainian language.

However that is the standard legal literal Ukrainian. I am not talking about different dialects spoken in different parts of Ukraine.

One would say that Russian is closest to Ukrainian and would be absolutely mistaken. This notion comes to us, because virtually everybody in Ukraine knows Russian. Which DOES NOT MAKE UKRAINIAN ANY CLOSER TO RUSSIAN, I must note.

Polish, Slovakian, Serbian and Belarusian would all be very-very similar to Ukrainian.

There are minor differences in pronunciations, and if you have experience with different cultures you will adjust quickly. For example: Ukrainian "dobre" is Polish "dobzhe", which is good. And Russian horosho doesn't fit in any way...
...

Hello Stas, I read some of your old posts (really old). I think your participation would be valuable. I started to post at a good time for Ukraine.com. There is a group of nice, free of aggression (Open Board) and well informed (History) people. They represent many nationalities. You can find good veterans like Johnstruthers or Batukhan(formerly TuchajBej). They are sympathetic for Ukraine, her language and independence. The_Last_Word was controversial but he was a very good poster; he does not post now. The_Last_Word caused a stir with his "History of Ukrainian Language". It is a serious study, but unfortunately soooo biased.
I would like to add: yes, Belarussian language is very close to Ukrainian and to Polish as well. At the moment it seems that Belarussians living in Poland are more Belarussian than Belarussians living in Belarus. Lukashenka has to retire some day, then there has to be more sunshine for Belarus. They are good, peaceful and very patient people.
There were many discussions on language problems in the meantime: One link about "svoyski" language:
http://www.ukraine.com/forums/showth...6&pagenumber=1 (including PL-BY-UA-RU dictionary).
You can also compare PL, RU and UA terms concerning passing time in History thread: http://www.ukraine.com/forums/showth...8&pagenumber=8
(post entitled Tempus edax rerum)

BTW Hello Happy-Gunner, how are your history studies? And you see, Wisla Krakow lost to Lazio Roma. Seems Italians like Polish winter more than the Poles.(we still have freezing temperatrures here).

[Edited by Zbyszek on 14th March 2003 at 00:45]

[StasUA]

Greetings Dassax,

I am saddened by them not having Belarus as well. I think it would've been a very interesting place for discussions. What is now happening in Belarus, is probably by far more important as to Belarusian history, than anything in Ukraine or Russia.

I have been to Belarus probably something close to 10 times, mostly Minsk and once to Gomel'. And try to keep fresh news on Belarus. I believe you're Belarusian? Perhaps you can enlighten me.

When, if, Belarus will become a completely part of Russian Federation?

For those who are not aware... in Ukraine killing of a Journalist brought tens of thousands of people on the streets, attempt of revolution, world wide recognition of Ukraine as being a tyranic nation. But in Belarus, they disappear almost every day (as to what I have learned).

I have read, I think at Kyiv Post, a few months ago, that Belarusian journalists were fearing for their lives in Belarus and fled to Ukraine seeking political protection.

There is so much to discuss about Belarus, that there should a seperate forum at least, on Belarus.

I, as Ukrainian, feel strong ties to Belarus, our closest friend with closest history, as related to the Russian oppressions.

This is of course off the subject. But are there many Belarusians in Ukrainian discussion forum here? If so, you should start a topic on Belarus.

[happy_gunner]

Thank you all for your replies, there is now a real chance I may be able to spend this summer in Ukraine, I'm selling my flat, telling my job to **** off, and hope to escape quite soon.

As for Belarus, I've been trawling through this site it's aimed at the English-speaking world but I think it's very good
http://misc.home.by/index.html#menu

[miaow]

Originally posted by Kathy
Russia is playing the oppression of minorities card with the EU - the Baltic Republics have had this played against them, which may delay their acceptance into the EU.

Hi Kathy, I'm from Lithuania.
Just a small correction:
Russians have never complained about their minority status in Lithuania. They have never had problems with being Russians. There are quite enough Russian schools here, and almost all Lithuanians feel at ease communicating with Russians in Russian.

Cheers