Ukrainians undergoing a large-scale language shift – Russian increasingly replaced by Ukrainian

“Linguistic choices are never neutral,” says Maria Frick, University Lecturer at the University of Oulu. She leads the research project Language and Social Interaction in War and Exile (LanWe), which examines the role of language in exceptional life circumstances. It´s funded by the Research Council of Finland.

At the turn of 2022–2023, Frick and their colleagues conducted a survey of more than 1,600 Ukrainians living in Finland. They also interviewed Ukrainian residents in Finland. The responses revealed that the visibility of Russian in Finland’s linguistic landscape can evoke negative emotions.

Ukrainians are currently the sixth-largest language group in Finland, and the survey indicated that the majority intended to remain in the country. At the same time, Russia’s invasion has turned language into both a political and a deeply personal issue.

Although many Ukrainians speak Russian, Frick notes that this does not mean they wish to use it.

“In every interaction, we create a linguistic environment for another person. The language we speak or write can have a surprisingly powerful emotional impact,” she says.

“A Russian authority figure – such as an interpreter, teacher, or volunteer providing assistance – may even be perceived as a threat. In interpreting situations, refugees may worry whether an ethnic Russian interpreter will accurately convey their case,” says doctoral researcher Eduard Diladi, who studies interpreting experiences.

The researchers emphasize the importance of linguistic sensitivity, meaning the ability to understand the effects of one’s language choices and to demonstrate empathy towards others.

Linguistic sensitivity is needed not only in face-to-face interactions but also in official communication, the language used by commercial actors and media outlets, as well as in public texts and signage.

The war has changed people’s relationship with language in concrete ways

A recurring finding of the study was respondents’ strong desire for greater use of Ukrainian and less use of Russian.

“The war has changed people’s relationship with language in very concrete ways,” says Professor Yan Kapranov, who participated in the project and works at VIZJA University in Warsaw.

“During the Soviet era, Ukraine was subjected to Russification, and many people shifted from Ukrainian to Russian. In present-day Ukraine, there are regional and individual differences in the use of Ukrainian and Russian. However, the official language is Ukrainian, and people have become accustomed to conducting official business in Ukrainian,” he explains.

According to the researchers, particular attention should also be paid to encounters with public authorities in Finland. Both the survey and the interviews contained repeated accounts of situations involving Russian-speaking interpreters or teachers.

“While such solutions may be practical, they are not always empathetic. People have fled bombings and lost loved ones, and hearing Russian can feel threatening. The languages that are visible and audible in public spaces matter enormously, and authorities have the power to influence this,” Maria Frick points out.

She stresses that linguistic sensitivity does not require major structural changes. Instead, it can be reflected in small actions that make integration easier and enhance people’s sense of security.

The visibility of Ukrainian and other minority languages could also be increased.

“Solidarity can be shown simply by choosing Ukrainian in translations or by learning a few words of the language. The most important thing is to communicate that we see you and respect you.”

Maria Frick hopes that greater attention will be paid to linguistic sensitivity in municipalities, schools, and public communication.

“This is not only about language, but about the kind of welcome Finland offers its new residents.”

“The same naturally applies to other languages as well. New technologies are improving opportunities to increase linguistic diversity in both private and public settings.”

Language and Social Interaction in War and Exile (LanWe)