Ukrainian or Russian Language?

0POSTS

5 years ago

What language to study is my quest!

Is it better to study Ukrainian or Russian now? Does it matter based on where I live?
I am moving to Kyiv. However, I could if staying longer move to another city.

I read that about 75% of the people in Ukraine consider the Ukrainian language to be their native language.

At the moment I am trying to sort through language study programs in Kyiv.

Anyone have experiences with language study?
Suggestions on where and what to study are greatly appreciated.

See also

About Ukraine - Guide
Language institutions in Ukraine - Business
Ukrainian Brides - 35 Replies
Ukrainian war - 3 Replies
Language exchange - 5 Replies
Language barriers in Ukraine - 4 Replies
Looking for friends; language exchange. - 10 Replies

sempei.ray Active member

43POSTS

5 years ago

Hi . My advice and experience is if your planningto live in Kyiv or anywhere in the west of the country learn Ukrainian all the younger generation speak it.
Okay old people not so much.
I live further east in Poltava and it's very much a 50/50 mix - and the city's further East ie Kharkov in my limited experience Russian tends to the every day language of use.
Most Ukrainians speak both fluently
And it can be very confusing when listening to people.

The Ukraine expat guide

Comprehensive and free

Read it now

rexroberts Member

1POSTS

5 years ago

sempei took the words out of my mouth!!! It all depends on where you think you are going to end up living long term.聽 Most Ukrainians learn both languages from childhood...

GuestPoster3410 Guest

0POSTS

5 years ago

Thanks. I was already leaning towards Ukrainian from reading about the languages. What you say really helps. I picked Kyiv to start for all the usual reasons.聽 i.e flights, central(ish) location, transportation, universities, general, etc.

The Ukraine expat guide

Comprehensive and free

Read it now

GuestPoster3410 Guest

0POSTS

5 years ago

rexroberts wrote:
sempei took the words out of my mouth!!! It all depends on where you think you are going to end up living long term.聽 Most Ukrainians learn both languages from childhood...

Thanks RexRoberts!

I am going to be in Kyiv to start. Being semi-retired then allows for a bit of flexibility. However, I like to have the internet available. so that does matter.

I just noticed that the National University has a few different classes on Ukrainian and culture. I'll look at that next.