The Influence of Teachers in Fostering Love for the Ukrainian Language

To commemorate this year’s International Mother Language Day on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism I have decided to share some reflections on my Ukrainian language journey. Here is the newest essay: The Influence of Teachers in Fostering Love for the Ukrainian Language

Language is more than a tool for communication—it is an anchor of identity, culture, and history. For many, the love for their mother tongue is nurtured through the dedication and passion of teachers who make learning meaningful and inspiring. The reflections gathered by Ustia Stefanchuk https://www.facebook.com/Ustia.Stefanchuk/posts/9916585938369822  highlight the profound impact that teachers of Ukrainian language and literature have had on their students. While some recount experiences of passionate and transformative educators, others remember teachers who lacked enthusiasm or even actively discouraged the use of Ukrainian. These contrasts reveal just how influential teachers can be in shaping attitudes toward language.

My own journey is deeply intertwined with these themes, as I have been fortunate to experience both the warmth of inspiring teachers and the challenges of overcoming linguistic biases. Learning Ukrainian was never just about academics—it was about identity, perseverance, and finding personal meaning in language.

A Family Legacy of Language and Teaching

My love for the Ukrainian language began at home, nurtured by my mother, who instilled in me the same passion she had received from her mother. This lineage of linguistic appreciation stretches even further—my great-grandmother was a teacher of Ukrainian in an elementary school in the Dnipro region. She lived through times when Ukrainian was suppressed, yet she remained committed to preserving and passing it on.

Growing up, Ukrainian was my mother tongue, but formal education presented its own challenges. While I excelled in Ukrainian literature and essay writing, my grades in Ukrainian language were often just satisfactory or good. Some questioned how someone with a russian surname could speak Ukrainian fluently. These biases mirrored the struggles of many others who had to prove their connection to their own language. However, one particular teacher in my final year of school changed everything. She allowed me to enjoy Ukrainian on a more poetic and personal level, encouraging me to reflect deeply on the lives of Ukrainian poets and writers. This shift helped me not only improve my grades but also embrace the language with newfound confidence. I proudly completed my final exams with an A in both Ukrainian language and literature, reciting Lesya Ukrainka’s Contra Spem Spero as a declaration of resilience and hope.

Key Themes from Ustia’s Post

Teachers as Catalysts of Inspiration

Many reflections in Ustia’s post express deep gratitude toward educators who did more than just teach—they inspired. These teachers fostered an emotional connection to Ukrainian literature and culture by engaging students with expressive storytelling, immersive lessons, and personal passion. Their dedication made learning Ukrainian not just an academic task but a heartfelt experience.

Beyond my Ukrainian language teacher, I also had an inspiring foreign language teacher, who not only introduced me to memoirs of famous global writers but also encouraged me to read their works in Ukrainian translations. When I later mastered English, I found immense joy in comparing original texts with their Ukrainian versions, analyzing the nuances of language and the art of translation. This passion has stayed with me, pushing me to explore ways to bridge meaning between Ukrainian and English.

Language and Identity Formation

Several contributors to Ustia’s post shared how their teachers helped them understand the importance of their native language as part of their identity. For some, their teachers’ passion led them to pursue careers in education or literature. These stories highlight that positive experiences with language in early life can shape a person’s lifelong relationship with their mother tongue.

For me, meeting Ukrainian-Canadians who preserved their language and culture despite the challenges of living in an English-speaking country was eye-opening. It reminded me of Ukraine under Russian rule, where Ukrainian was often treated as a second-class language. This experience further solidified my commitment to learning and teaching Ukrainian.

At university, I once had a professor look at my surname and ask where I had learned Ukrainian. I proudly responded, “It is my mother tongue, and I continue learning it throughout my life.” While my academic work and daily life are now mostly in English, my connection to Ukrainian remains strong.

The Role of Teachers in Cultural Transmission

Great educators not only teach a language but also serve as guardians of cultural heritage. They introduce students to the richness of Ukrainian literature, history, and traditions, reinforcing the idea that language is a crucial element of national identity.

Having amazing teachers at different stages of my life expanded my appreciation of language beyond just grammar. During my undergraduate studies, an incredible business Ukrainian teacher helped me refine my writing skills, giving me new confidence in formal and professional language use. However, my greatest growth came through my engagement with Ukrainian language communities.

The pandemic and my inability to travel to Ukraine prompted me to establish Ukrainian Diaspora Language and Culture (ILOVEUKRENG)—a community that connects learners and speakers worldwide. Through this initiative, I discovered the depth of Ukrainian diaspora language and learned how Ukrainian communities across the globe maintain their linguistic identity despite decades of displacement.

Contrast Between Passion and Apathy

While many students had inspiring teachers, others were not as lucky. Some encountered educators who were indifferent or even hostile toward Ukrainian, a consequence of past political influences that sought to diminish the role of the language. The stark difference in experiences underscores how much a teacher’s attitude can determine a student’s relationship with Ukrainian.

For those who were not fortunate to have enthusiastic teachers, learning Ukrainian can still be a deeply personal and meaningful journey.

Recommendations for Those Without Inspiring Teachers

Not everyone had the privilege of learning from teachers who made Ukrainian language and literature come alive. However, a love for the language can still be cultivated in various ways:

Self-Learning Through Literature and Media

Reading Ukrainian literature, watching Ukrainian films, and listening to Ukrainian podcasts can create an engaging learning experience. Even if one did not have a great teacher, they can still immerse themselves in the beauty of the language through accessible cultural materials.

Exploring Online Educational Resources

Today, countless digital platforms offer Ukrainian language courses, interactive grammar lessons, and engaging audiovisual content. Tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT have also become valuable aids, allowing learners to refine their writing and grammar while exploring creative expression.

Joining Ukrainian-Speaking Communities

Engaging with Ukrainian-speaking communities—whether online or in-person—provides real-world opportunities to practice and engage with the language.

For me, this has taken the form of volunteering at the Saturday Ukrainian Language and Culture School at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Kamloops. Every Saturday, I meet incredible people who are learning Ukrainian for various reasons—some because of their heritage, others out of pure passion. Their enthusiasm reaffirms that language is not just learned in classrooms but lived through community and cultural exchange.

Conclusion: The Role of Teachers and Lifelong Learning

The love for a language does not depend on a single moment or teacher—it is a lifelong process shaped by experiences, mentors, and personal dedication. While having inspiring educators is invaluable, learning can continue beyond formal schooling through literature, translation, community engagement, and digital tools.

My journey with Ukrainian has been one of resilience and growth, shaped by both challenges and moments of inspiration. Despite living in Canada for over 20 years, my connection to my mother tongue has only deepened. Every time I teach, translate, or engage in Ukrainian, I honor the generations before me who fought to preserve it.

Whether through heritage, cultural pride, or intellectual curiosity, reclaiming Ukrainian is a meaningful and fulfilling journey. As long as there are people willing to learn, speak, and teach Ukrainian, its future remains strong. I will continue to share Ukrainian, celebrate those who preserve it, and encourage others to embrace its beauty—whether they grew up speaking it or are just beginning their journey.

Language is not just about words; it is about connection, identity, and cultural survival. And it is a lifelong adventure worth taking.

PS: In the picture, 20 years after completing School in Lviv in the new foreign literature class