‘Students and teachers during breaks between classes should also speak in Ukrainian’ – ombudsman says

Persecution based on the language principle continues in Ukraine. Ukrainian Language Commissioner Taras Kremen has stated that even during breaks between classes, students and teachers should speak Ukrainian.

He made these remarks in an interview with “Ukrinform.”

“Ukrainian legislation defines that the language of instruction in educational institutions is the state language. We have approached the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for additional clarification regarding what constitutes the educational process because there have been numerous violations of the language law outside of classroom hours. The position is that the educational process encompasses all activities taking place on the premises of the educational institution. This includes classwork, educational activities, communication between education seekers and pedagogical representatives in classrooms, teacher’s lounges, cafeterias, hallways, sports halls, stadiums, and on the school premises. Breaks are also part of the educational process, and the state language should be used there,” the official stated.

He asserts that it is “principally important” to strengthen language requirements at all levels of education because the statistics on “violations” remain high.

A previous study among 5-6-year-old children showed that only 15% of preschoolers in Kyiv actively speak Ukrainian. Another 65% can use a mixture of Russian and Ukrainian words or predominantly speak Russian while borrowing some Ukrainian words. 20% of preschoolers have minimal understanding of the Ukrainian language.