How to switch to Ukrainian
If you are still in the group of those who want to speak Ukrainian but are hesitant to do so, a well-known promoter of the Ukrainian language has prepared a selection of effective tips.
“If you want to speak, start speaking. It seems like a simple advice, but for some reason it doesn’t help Russian-speaking Ukrainians much. So, probably the first thing I would recommend is to be patient and remember that mastering any language requires practice, practice and practice. And a few simple steps,” says blogger Andriy Shymanovskyi.
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Identify the problem
First of all, you need to clearly understand why you want to “speak” a particular language. And then you need to make a list of the problems you have with it in your head or write it down on paper. For example, you lack vocabulary or have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Once you are aware of the request, it is easier to determine the direction of movement to meet it.
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“Let” the language into your environment
The fastest way to learn a language is in your environment. Read, listen, watch in Ukrainian. The first and easiest thing you can do is to switch the “language” of your gadgets’ operating systems to Ukrainian. Next, remove Russian from the language layout for the heck of it.
Today, there are many paid and free marathons, lessons, and courses for learning Ukrainian online. Speaking clubs are being set up in educational spaces, libraries, and cultural centres in cities where many internally displaced people come to live. They will give you not only practice but also the opportunity to socialise in a new place.
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Make mistakes, but also learn from them
Don’t be afraid of mistakes. The Soviet school used to focus on them rather than on progress. Get away from this type of thinking. Any language is learnt through mistakes.
If you make a mistake, it means that you are not standing still, but moving forward. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes. But don’t forget to work on your mistakes. For example, you can keep a notebook in which you write down “mistake” (on the left) and “correct word” (on the right).
Remember that mistakes are a path to development. And a person is judged by his or her worldview and actions. And today, the Ukrainian language is not just a password to identify your friend or foe, but also your personal contribution to the victory in this war.
