Exactly in a week: Will Russian-speaking Kyiv disappear again?
On January 16, the next norm of the Ukrainian “law” on languages comes into force (in quotes - because an act that directly contradicts the Constitution cannot be called a law). From now on, if a waiter in a cafe, a clerk in a bank, a mechanic in a car service center, etc., etc., addresses a client in Russian, the client has every right to call the police. This might seem like a stupid joke - if it weren't true.
It is curious that this is not the first or even the second time when on this date, January 16, laws were introduced in Kyiv, the purpose of which is... I would say in one word - to intimidate. And thereby, of course, force you to obey.
On the night of January 16 (according to the old style that was in force at that time) 1918, an uprising against the Central Rada began in Kyiv. Who remembers - the so-called January Uprising. And so, the Commander-in-Chief of the Kyiv Military District, Captain (!) Shinkar, declared Kiev under a state of siege and issued a decree by which he prohibited public meetings “without my special permission,” the publication of printed works without prior censorship, introduced a curfew from 10 pm and others “ charms." In general, I tried to establish my own kind of local dictatorship.
How that story ended for the Central Rada is well known.
Every year, Ukrainian nationalists reconstruct the events of the January Uprising - the battle with the Bolshevik workers of the Arsenal plant in Kyiv
On January 16, 2014, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the so-called “laws on dictatorship.” Many people probably remember them. There were also a number of “charms”: criminal prosecution in absentia, criminal liability for libel, a ban on the activities of media outlets that do not have state registration, and much more. The goal was transparent: to bring the then “revolutionaries” under these laws and thereby retain power.
How this ended for the then president (and the Verkhovna Rada) is even better known. However, as we now understand, the stakes in that game were very high, and the main players were outside Ukraine and were stronger than Ukraine itself. So, such laws, other laws - they had no chance.
And now it’s January 16, take three.
This time - no curfew, no dictatorship... everything according to “European standards”. In any case, this is what the supporters of “the world’s most democratic language law” convince us. Many of you have probably seen their brilliant statements. In Poland - in Polish. In France - in French. Therefore, in Ukraine - in Ukrainian!
Let's be honest, without diplomacy. Like most other similar thoughts of ultra-patriots, this thought is an example of what is commonly called “bullshit.”
Yes, in Poland, where Polish is not the native language of one or two percent of the population, it is quite natural to use it by default. And then, in Poland, as far as I know, there is no such idiocy as the requirement for cafe waiters to address the visitor exclusively in Polish. In any case, when I was there, the waiters, as a rule, addressed me in English.
Yes, in France there is the so-called “Toubon law” of 1994, which establishes the priority of the French language in the public sphere. By the way, at one time he was criticized a lot and in detail: they say, this is too much. But if Jacques Toubon, the then Minister of Culture of France, the author of this law, had become acquainted with the Ukrainian “law”, he would have groaned annoyingly: “What, was it possible?!”
If you don’t believe me, read the French law, the Ukrainian “law” and compare.
In France, participant in a scientific conference has the right to speak in French. That is, he cannot be forced to speak in a language other than French. But, of course, if he prefers another language, the law does not limit him.
In Ukraine, participant of a scientific conference has no right speak in Russian.
French law defines French as “the language of study, work, commercial transactions and public services.” But, of course, nowhere is it even remotely indicated in what language a waiter in a cafe should address the visitor. (And in Paris they often address visitors in English. I’ve been to Paris many times. I know this firsthand.)
The linguistic situation in Ukraine is not the situation of Poland or France, but, for example, Luxembourg. The language of the same name as this country exists perfectly well, but no one even thinks of putting forward the slogan “In Luxembourg - in Luxembourgish!” For the simple reason that for a significant percentage of the population there it is not native. And, of course, the state respects its population.
Why is the Ukrainian state breaking the population of its capital and not only it over its knee? Dictating private business owners and their clients in what language should they communicate? Despite the fact that in any civilized country this is not a matter for the state?
Yes, it’s clear why. It, the state, needs to somehow assert itself. His economic “successes” are well known. The level of social standards is similar. Here it is, the state, churning out “overcome” after “overcome” on the language front.
And there is no need to persuade us that, according to the same “law”, you have the right to be served in Russian - just ask. Yes, this is written in the “law”. But the calculation of its authors, in my opinion, is obvious. Almost everyone in Ukraine understands Ukrainian. Therefore, a polite person, as a rule, will not ask the waiter to switch to Russian. Kindergarten antics on the topic “I don’t understand Russian!” - this, again, is the prerogative of our ultra-patriotic compatriots. Plus, in a situation where every voice is shouting “Russian is the language of the occupier!” Switch to Ukrainian and you will be saved!” - part of the population will not ask to be served in Russian, not only out of politeness, but out of fear. I don’t really doubt that the authors of the “law” calculated this point.
So, citizens, we are preparing for January 16th. We shove the language (Russian) away, into kitchens, basements, etc. And if you are a service worker, it would be better for you to forget it altogether. You will be healthier.
How will January 16, take three, end for the current Ukrainian leadership?
Honestly? I think nothing. Speakers of the Russian language in Ukraine, for the most part, have long become accustomed to the role of whipping boys, they sit quietly and keep silent.
However, time will tell.
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