The University of Sheffield has announced two Ukrainian language courses, one of which is a first of its kind in the UK.
Coming a year after the conflict started, the six-week courses are an attempt to show support, as the world worries about how Ukrainian culture will survive under Russian aggression.
Many believe the country’s resilience will continue to shine through, especially regarding Ukrainian culture.
Elena Mandrik, a researcher at The University of Sheffield and former chair at the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), said: “We understand that they are destroying our whole infrastructure and that there will be a huge economic cost to rebuild — you can destroy the building, but not the culture.”
Data from Duolingo, a language-learning mobile app, during the outburst of the war, showed the number of people studying Ukrainian increasing by 577% globally. Similarly, a Ukrainian study showed an increase in the usage of the language among the country’s households.
Both courses are offering teaching of basic Ukrainian communicative skills, as well as exposure to the country’s modern society and culture.
They will be separated into a beginners course, aiming to engage those interested in learning Ukrainian, and a conversion course targeting those who already speak, or are learning, the language.
Dr Laurent Semichon, director of the Modern Languages Teaching Centre at the University of Sheffield, said: “This initiative is not just about language; it is also about creating a space where participants can share their experience and learn more about Ukrainian culture.”
As interest in Eastern European studies increases with the prevalence of the war, the university hopes to encourage the pursuit of specialist knowledge, something which could be crucial in relation to the impact of the war in Ukraine over the coming years.
Courses will be open for students, staff, and members of the public for only £20. This is welcomed by those seeking sanctuary in the city of Sheffield, and who have continued to struggle since their arrival.
If you wish to apply, you can do so here.
