On 16 September, the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine hosted a thematic meeting with Pavlo Yukhymovych Grytsenko, Doctor of Philology, Professor, Director of the Institute of Ukrainian Language of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, entitled ‘The Ukrainian language in the modern realities of statehood’.

The event brought together diplomats, civil servants, academic and teaching staff, linguists and students at a time when the preservation and development of the Ukrainian language is more relevant than ever.

Acting Director of the Academy Oleksandr Kyrychenko addressed the participants with a welcoming speech, emphasising the importance of the Ukrainian language as an instrument for shaping national identity and a factor in the unity and security of the state.

In his brilliant speech, Professor Pavlo Grytsenko, drawing on historical sources, traced the development of the Ukrainian language from ancient times to the present day. Using copies of old prints, dictionaries, maps and unique artefacts, in particular the Peresopnytsia Gospel, the eminent linguist clearly demonstrated that the Ukrainian language has always been an integral part of the cultural and political life of the nation.

The scholar mentioned figures who laid the foundations of Ukrainian educational and linguistic traditions: Anna Yaroslavna, who contributed to the opening of the first schools for girls; Pylyp Orlyk and his Constitution; and Taras Shevchenko, whose language became a symbol of national awakening. 

Shevchenko's words from the preface to the unrealised second edition of Kobzar in 1847 resonated particularly strongly with the audience: ‘They have the people and the word, and we have the people and the word, and whose is better – let the people judge.’ These words became a real challenge to imperialism, testifying to the Ukrainian people's age-old desire for independence.

During the meeting, the professor also raised the issue of the modern functioning of the Ukrainian language and its role in the international arena, shared his professional thoughts on the prospects for the state's language policy, and gave frank answers to questions from the audience.