Ombudsman Ivanovska: the transition to Ukrainian is a sign of understanding deep connections.

According to ТСН: The Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska, believes that the conscious transition to the Ukrainian language indicates that people are aware of the deep connections in society.

Language as a strategy of behavior

In her opinion, the state language is not only an external marker of identity but also a foundation for forming thinking and behavior strategy of the individual.

"Everyone who considers themselves Homo sapiens (a rational human) and understands that language is a mental construct has already made their choice in favor of the state language," Ivanovska emphasized.

She also noted that this choice is characteristic of those who realize the significance of language as a fundamental factor of social life.

Personal example

Discussing the issue of transitioning to Ukrainian, Ivanovska shared her family's experience. She previously talked about discussions with her teenage daughter, who was active on social networks in Russian, fearing a loss of audience.

"Teenagers are read in social networks by other teenagers like them. I tell my daughter: 'Sofia, how is that? Why is this?' And she replies: 'Mom, who will read me if they are all Russian-speaking?' I tell her that it's worth becoming so interesting that you are read and discussed in Ukrainian," the language commissioner told journalists.

She also noted that about 6-7% of Ukrainians who switched to the state language after the full-scale invasion later returned to Russian.

Moreover, Ivanovska remarked that in her family, home communication is conducted exclusively in Ukrainian.

The trend noted by Ivanovska of transitioning to Ukrainian among the population has become noticeable in the context of current challenges. Many people realize that language is not only a resource for communication but also an element of national identity. By transitioning to Ukrainian, citizens, especially the youth, seek to engage in shaping a new cultural reality.

Ivanovska's experience in communicating with her daughter illustrates not only personal changes but also a broader social discussion about the use of the Ukrainian language in various areas of life, especially among the youth, who play an important role in the future of the state.