Having settled on the Ukraine as my eventual landing place, for various reasons, I wonder if it is better to start learning Ukrainian or Russian as a preliminary to the visit. I am not terribly gifted in the matter of languages ... I can order a beer and find the bathroom in about ten, but beyond enough Spanish to get around on and my native English, I am sadly hobbled. I consider it a matter of simple courtesy to learn something of the language and culture of the places I visit, though, and I wonder which would serve me better. Any suggestions as to which one, and the best means of gaining some knowledge? There is not any substancial ukrainian population near where I live in California, and any help would be welcome.
Somewhat depends on where in Ukraine you intend to go. Russian is predominantly spoken in Eastern Ukraine. Overall, Russian is a pretty safe bet for all of Ukraine.
I wouldn't risk speaking Russian in the western part of Ukraine, OK nobody will hurt you if you will speak Russian, but the attitude will be completely different..
As part of my preparation I have come upon Taras Schevchenko, and listened to the Ukrainian language being sung ... it seems like such a more beautiful language, for all the similarities ... sort of the same difference between the German spoken in Berlin and Vienna, but more pronounced. Besides, if your nationa poet can write such things as this:
It makes no difference to me,
If I shall live or not in Ukraine
Or whether any one shall think
Of me 'mid foreign snow and rain.
It makes no difference to me.
In slavery I grew 'mid strangers,
Unwept by any kin of mine;
In slavery I now will die
And vanish without any sign.
I shall not leave the slightest trace
Upon our glorious Ukraine,
Our land, but not as ours known.
No father will remind his son
Or say to him, "Repeat one prayer,
One prayer for him; for our Ukraine
They tortured him in their foul lair."
It makes no difference to me,
If that son says a prayer or not.
It makes great difference to me
That evil folk and wicked men
Attack our Ukraine, once so free,
And rob and plunder it at will.
That makes great difference to me.
it seems as if it is not a matter of no importance.
I wouldn't risk speaking Russian in the western part of Ukraine, OK nobody will hurt you if you will speak Russian, but the attitude will be completely different.
Perhaps ... but the reverse is not always true, as in say, the case of Ihor Bilozir. thank you for your comments.
mole
Just returned from 2 weeks in Western Ukraine. True about language there compared to the likes of here in Kiev.
My Fiancée is Russian and has lived in Kiev for 25 years. Her Ukraine in not good so she does not use it. Over in Lvov & Uhzgarod she got the occasional negative reaction to her Russian. It was from the younger shop assistances to, which was a little surprising.
I suppose to answer your question Learn both, but probably Russian more practical and you will never be identified as a Ukrainian even if you learn to speak only that language.
Oh, good Lord ... i have no more expectation of being taken for a local there as I had in Japan! Not the point, really ... more along the lines of being an obvious foreigner trying hard to be polite.
As part of my preparation for going to Dnepropetrosvk, Ukraine I got some books on Ukrainian and started to learn some words. When I got there I tried what I learned on my Talina. She looked at me funny and told me she spoke Russian and knew very little Ukrainian. I should have asked her before I started learning Ukraining. Needless to say I got some books I don't need. Dnepropetrosvk is in Eastern Ukraine.