Language

[johnstruthers]

You know, I happen to agree with everyone. I read over my recent response, and it seems so cold. My point is this, and this only: As a practical matter, if the bulk of the population prefers one language over another, that is the language that will be used. I don't think Ukrainian is in any immediate danger of dying, or disappearing. But, as a practical matter, a language can't be "inflicted" on people. I'm not so sure that the survival of a culture is necessarily tied to a language. As Phil cited, in Ireland Gaelic is taught now. No one has any illusions about Gaelic ever returning to being the dominant tongue, though. The Irish culture, traditions, folkways and the rest are surviving because the people are immersed in it, and believe it's important. As a second language, Gaelic will endure. But no one wants to give up English in favor of returning to a language that no one else on the planet speaks.

I have great affection for Ukrainian, though I can only speak Russian. I can understand Ukrainian, and read it, but cannot speak it. I hope the Ukrainian language never goes into general disuse. It is a precious thing. But people can't be forced to speak it.

[johnstruthers]

On the other hand, there is a stunning example that proves me entirely wrong: Quebec. They determined their that their French language was the key to retaining their French culture, and they absolutely banned English on signs, in government, in schools, in the workplace. And they succeeded. There are a lot of English-speaking soreheads who continue to debate the issue, but the fact is that Quebec is French, they created an identity separate from the rest of Canada, and did so strongly enough that they make a credible case for separation from Canada. My estimation is that it takes the will of the people to do this successfully. Lots of people. Lots of will. And some determined leaders. Could Ukraine pull this off?

[Phillip]

I am out of my depth here, but on a lighter note...

Isn't Ukranian a slovac language. I think it is preferable to Rusasian because it is used in more countries. Nice language too.

Another analogy - sorry. In India, the official languange is Hindi. There are hundreds of different languages so they wanted only one common tongue. However, if you go there you'll soon find the common language is English. They choose to learn it because it is more use to them. That suited me so I liked it, but I also thought it was sensible. I don't think it compromised their sense of identity at all. Of course I know - again - this is a different situation.

Please don't get offended, but think that I am just trying to get a feel of the Ukranian situation...

[grandma]

With Russian - who we are? Russians?

[johnstruthers]

We speak English in America. Are we British?

[StasUA]

Actually there are difference between American and English

[This message has been edited by StasUA (edited 02 February 2000).]

[johnstruthers]

They are, however, the same language, with only a difference in accent and idiom. The difference is actually smaller than that within the Ukrainian language between, say, Brovary and Lutsk.