Discussion

Against the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale on Ukrainian territory, it became apparent to Ukrainians that language serves as a tool for manipulation in the hands of Russia. Where Russian is spoken, so extends Russia's influence and power. This fact encourages Ukrainians to use the Ukrainian language more consciously. Ukrainians have come to recognize the immense power of language in general and their own language in particular, as it has come to serve as a defining boundary for the state. For the Ukrainian people, the native language is increasingly viewed as a protective talisman for the nation, it is a determining factor in shaping the collective consciousness and sense of belonging to the Ukrainian nation. Throughout Ukrainian history, language is profoundly shaped by the prevailing social and political context. The persistent policies enacted by Russia to prohibit the use of Ukrainian over the centuries, alongside efforts to undermine its prestige and social standing among Ukrainians. To fully comprehend the significance of language as an integral component of Ukrainian national identity, it is imperative to consider the historical backdrop that has shaped the significance of the Ukrainian language in Ukraine. The study examines language policy as a social construct, deeply entrenched in beliefs, attitudes, and myths; it elucidates how culture-specific language policies evolve over time, exerting a profound influence on people. According to E. Shohamy (2006), policies concerning language use are being tested, with ever-increasing intensity, in an era of migration and cultural interaction. Taking into account the heterogeneity, changeability, and often contradictory factors that influence the language policy, especially in political and ideological aspect, we delve into the influence that language policy has on citizens, as well as how it is promoted and imposed in post-Soviet era.