Surzhyk in Ukraine: Between Language Ideology and Usage

In: Ukrainian analytical digest, Heft 1, S. 15-17

Abstract

In Ukraine, 'Surzhyk' denotes a widely used language mixing Ukrainian and Russian, which has always been a source of debate both in the international academic sphere and among the Ukrainian public. Consequently, Surzhyk evokes a broad, and sometimes controversial, spectrum of opinions and feelings. The meaning and role of Surzhyk can be re-evaluated against the background of Ukrainian language policy in recent years and the drastic sociopolitical changes brought about by Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine. In the context of Ukraine's current language situation and the linguistic identity of the Ukrainian population, Surzhyk, especially 'Neo-Surzhyk', could accelerate society's linguistic transition to Ukrainian.