Master Class by Prof. Dr. Alla Nedashkivska: Exploring Language Ideologies in Ukraine

Recap of the Master Class by Prof. Dr. Alla Nedashkivska: Exploring Language Ideologies in Ukraine

On June 12, the Institute of Slavic Studies and the Giessen Center for Eastern European Studies (GiZo) hosted a master class presented by Prof. Dr. Alla Nedashkivska from the University of Alberta, Canada. The event was organised by Prof. Dr. Monika Wingender and Dr. Liudmyla Pidkuimukha as part of the project “Comparison of language ideologies in the Soviet Union and the current Russian Federation – Continuity, ruptures, and new orientations”, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

Prof. Dr. Nedashkivska delivered a compelling lecture focusing on public discourses surrounding languages in Ukraine in response to the full-scale Russian war. The session began with a brief overview of the historically conflictual language situation in Ukraine and then delved into recent transformations in language attitudes and practices among Ukrainians. A key part of the discussion centred on language activism that has surged on social media platforms since 24 February 2022.

The lecture highlighted several dimensions of the power of language:

Power of Images: How languages are portrayed

Power of Signs: What distinguishes one’s 'own' language from that of the 'other'

Power of Language Practices: The enactment and promotion of multiple language ideologies in Ukraine, particularly during the war.

The master class proved to be extremely beneficial for young scholars, PhD students, and postdocs working in the fields of linguistics and political science. Attendees engaged with Prof. Dr. Nedashkivska through a series of questions and discussions, leading to a fruitful exchange of ideas and perspectives. The session underscored the relevance and impact of the master class on the scope of the DFG-Project.