What day is it?

Thanks to language and thinking, society is able to change the world around it. It is not for nothing that the Ukrainian language is called the nightingale, because it is rich in epithets and its sound is incredible. Undoubtedly, the language for the people is its treasury, a living hiding place of the human spirit. The native language forms an invisible link between all generations of the past and future. Even when they tried to supplant the Ukrainian language, the people always preserved and defended the right to speak their own language. Ukrainian poets, artists, politicians have always tried to preserve and popularize their native language. From year to year, our language gathers more and more true supporters. Since 1997, the Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language has been celebrated annually in Ukraine on November 9.

How did the idea of ​​celebrating the Day of Ukrainian writing and language come about?

The Ukrainian language is one of the Slavic languages. It should be emphasized that our language comes from a single Proto-Slavic root, and not from the mythical Old Russian language, which allegedly split into three languages ​​- Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian. The process of formation of the Ukrainian language began in the 6th century. and lasted until the 16th century. Not only the Slavic tribes, but also the Iranian-speaking and Turkic-speaking population took part in its formation.

Thus, the Byzantine diplomat Priscus Paniyskii, when describing the customs of the Huns, who lived, including in the territory of Ukraine, mentions the words “honey” and “dish”.

According to scientists, distinct proto-Ukrainian vocabulary features were formed before the 11th-12th centuries. On the walls of St. Sophia Cathedral, you can read graffiti (inscriptions) in the old Ukrainian language. For example, in the phrase “Lord help your servant Pavlova” the name ends in a typical Ukrainian dative case.

After the decline of the Kyivan state and the Kingdom of Russia, difficult times came for the Ukrainian language. But she suffered the greatest oppression in the Muscovite state and the Russian Empire.

Back in 1627, by order of the Moscow tsar, books printed in Ukraine were burned for the first time. In 1720, Peter I completely banned book printing in the Ukrainian language. In addition, it was forbidden to teach in Ukrainian in educational institutions, and to deliver sermons in churches.

It is obvious that all these steps led to the general illiteracy and ignorance of the Ukrainian population.

At the same time, the Ukrainian intelligentsia took up the task of popularizing the language. The creator of the modern Ukrainian language was the diplomat Ivan Kotlyarevskyi, the author of the works “Aeneid” and “Natalka Poltavka”, which were created on the basis of a living vernacular. A little later, Taras Shevchenko proved with his poetry that the Ukrainian language is in no way inferior to other languages.

In modern Ukraine, the native language is protected, honored and developed. Every day, more and more people want to either return to the language of their ancestors or learn the language of the indigenous population. is interested in deeply studied languages. In 1997, a decision was made to celebrate the Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language. November 9 was chosen as the day of celebration, since it is on this day that the church honors the memory of Nestor the Chronicler, who made his historical notes in the proto-Ukrainian language.

Interesting Facts

• Every year before this date, the competition named after Petro Yatsyk, in which experts of the Ukrainian language from 20 countries of the world participate. Their total number is approximately 5 million people.
• The record holder among translated works is “Testament” by T. G. Shevchenko. Since 1845, it has been translated into different languages ​​147 times.
• Until recently, the Ukrainian language had approximately 276,000 words. But rapid development in recent years has significantly increased this number by several hundred.
• The Ukrainian language is considered the richest in diminutive forms. Even in the modern anthem of the country, the word “witches” is found. Although it should be noted that the versions of 1862 and 1865 still used “enemies”.
• The oldest literary collection written in Ukrainian dates back to 1571. Ballad song “Danube, Danube, why are you flowing in confusion?” was included in the grammar of Jan the Theologian. But due to the death of the author, this book did not see the light of day. Ivan Fedorov’s textbook, which is now in the Harvard library, is considered the first printed “Primer”.

Day of Ukrainian writing and language in history

• 448

  The Byzantine historian Priscus of Panikia in 448 AD. wrote down the words “honey” and “dish”.
• 1187

  In the Kyiv Chronicle, the toponym “Ukraine” is used to designate part of the lands of our modern state.
• 1627

  By order of the Tsar of Moscow, books printed in Ukraine were burned for the first time.
• 1720

  In 1720, Peter I banned the printing of books in the Ukrainian language
• 1798

  The first three parts of Kotlyarevsky’s “Aeneid” have been published
• 1997
  November 9

  In 1997, a decision was made to celebrate the Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language.

Frequent Questions and answers on the Day of Ukrainian writing and language

How to celebrate the Day of Ukrainian writing and language?

1. Since 2000, it has been established to write all-Ukrainian dictation. Anyone can write it and test their knowledge. A dictation is read on the radio every year in honor of the Day of Ukrainian Writing and Language. You can involve the whole family and friends in this event.
2. Also on this day, the Petro Yatsyk Ukrainian language connoisseur competition starts, where the best students can compete in terms of knowledge of their native language. The winners not only receive letters of commendation and certificates, but also financial rewards.
3. It will be interesting to learn about the origin of the Ukrainian language, the origin of words. It can help you better understand your people, their origins, values ​​and beliefs.
4. On this day, you can lay flowers at the monument of Nestor the Chronicler to honor his memory and ask for success in his studies.
5. In all corners of the country, awards are given to all those involved in the popularization of the Ukrainian language.

Why is this day important?

Every person can know several languages, be interested in other cultures, but only the native language touches the depths of the soul. She is able to give a feeling of unity with her descendants, her family, her nationality.

It is so important in life to feel that you belong to the nation, to feel that strength and inspiration for incredible achievements. By honoring and spreading the language, Ukrainians defend not only their own interests, but also the interests of their own state.

Language is, was and will be a symbol of freedom for Ukrainians. Native language is a kind of psychocode. Speaking Ukrainian, we trigger ethnic codes in the subconscious that inspire and point the right way.

An important factor remains the “purity” of the language. The language is not stable, but develops along with the people, therefore, of course, it is necessary to provide the young generation with only verified news from the linguistic world.

Modern newspapers, magazines, TV news and radio have a great influence on people, so it is important that they broadcast the correct Ukrainian language.

📬 Postcards for the Day of Ukrainian writing and language

👉 Section Postcards and greetings ➕ Postcards in Viber ➕ Postcards in Telegram

🎁 Gifts on Day of Ukrainian writing and language

	Ukrainian is easy! – N. Klymenko and others.
	ZNO 2022 SET Ukrainian language and literature. Parts 1 and 2. Avramenko O.
	Shevchenko for every day: with Yanina Sokolova
	Rowling – Harry Potter Set of 7 books in Ukrainian
	“About the Ukrainian language and the book” by I. Ohienko (collective edition)

When will we celebrate Day of Ukrainian writing and language?