Peculiarities of the contemporary linguistic situation of Ukraine in the reflection of sociology and sociolinguistics

Svitlana Sokolova
Doctor of Science, Professor, Leading Researcher of the Department of culture of language, stylistics and sociolinguistics, Institute of the Ukrainian Language of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
4 Hrushevskyi st., Kyiv 01001, Ukraine
Е- mail: a-senchuk@ukr.net

Hanna Zalizniak
PhD. (Economics), Director at Research Department for Urban Social Monitoring with Municipal Research Enterprise Research – Development Institute for Urban Social and Economic Enhancement
37A Heroiv Sevastopolia St., Kyiv 03061, Ukraine
E-mail: zalizniak-h@ukr.net

Heading: Researches
Language: Ukrainian

Abstract: The article describes the main evaluation parameters of the linguistic situation – qualitative, quantitative and evaluative, as well as, features of the modern language situation in Ukraine are analyzed, based on the results of a comprehensive sociological study (Focus group research and mass survey) 2017. Comparison of these results with 2006 data (survey parameters are identical) showed a tendency to strengthen the position of the Ukrainian language as a state one. Sociology methods usage, ensured the reliability of results in solving sociolinguistic problems, and linguists involved in the preparation of the survey made it possible to draw attention to important problems of the functioning and interaction of languages in society. Both the situation and its changes, taken as a whole, have a strongly marked  territorial division with lower rate of use of the Ukrainian language in the direction from west to east and south and the in-between position of the northern and central regions, differences between types of settlements remain obvious (the “city – village” opposition). It turned out that at the same time the greater number of respondents do not have a negative experience of discrimination on the linguistic basis,  almost half denies a conflict  based on linguistic grounds. One in two considers that the majority of the population of our country are bilinguals and almost the same amount of them consider themselves to be bilinguals, as well as, they also believe that their personal bilingualism prevents conflicts. However, the majority do not see prospects in the state bilingualism and support state status of the Ukrainian language only.

Target Survey proved that representatives of different regions have different notions about the very concept of “state language” and the necessary volume of its functioning, which requires a legislative definition of this concept, followed by a wide outreach in the community.

Keywords: linguistic situation, focus group study, mass interview, language interaction, axiological features, state language, linguistic politics.

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