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How do regional differences affect language formality in Ukraine visualisation

How do regional differences affect language formality in Ukraine

Ukrainisch für jede Gelegenheit: Formell oder Informell?: How do regional differences affect language formality in Ukraine

Regional differences in Ukraine significantly affect language formality and language use in general. Ukrainian is the official language and has gained increased status and use especially since the 2019 language protection law and following the 2022 war context, but Russian remains widely spoken, especially in the east and south of the country.

In western Ukraine, Ukrainian is predominant and fluency levels are highest, with more consistent use of the formal and informal language norms. In central, southern, and eastern Ukraine, there is more bilingualism or balanced use of Ukrainian and Russian, with Russian still quite common in everyday speech. The level of Ukrainian proficiency in these areas can be sufficient for basic communication but less so for specialized topics, affecting the level of formality used in language.

In terms of formality, Ukrainian language exhibits a T–V distinction (formal vs informal pronouns). Anecdotal evidence and some discussions suggest western Ukrainians may use the formal “you” more frequently than eastern Ukrainians, who may lean toward more informal or mixed use with Russian influence. The widespread bilingual environment in many eastern and southern regions means that formal language use can be less rigid, with some mixing of grammar and forms from both languages.

Overall, language formality in Ukraine is shaped by historical, cultural, and political factors varying from region to region, with western parts showing stronger adherence to formal Ukrainian norms and eastern/southern parts showing more Russian influence and fluidity in formality norms. The use of formal language often correlates with ethnic identity, political views, and regional history. Language policies and educational initiatives are also promoting greater use of formal Ukrainian nationwide. 1, 2, 3, 4

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