On Site De-Russification
“De-Russification” is a program devoted to those creative individuals who, in spite of the market that demands Russian-language products, create exclusively or predominantly Ukrainian-language cultural products and find ways to market them. In their daily work they refute the prevailing opinion that the Ukrainian language is absolutely unmarketable, which drives many to be exclusively Russian oriented.”
“According to what criteria do you select your guests?”
“The criteria are very simple. I invite people who work with the Ukrainian language: singers, writers, musicians, publishers, newsmen, editors, and such. The discussion is broadcast live, and listeners — a wide range of people concerned with the plight of the Ukrainian language — join in the discussion. The program has hosted Yurko Pokalchuk, Oleh Skrypka, Foma, Mariya Matios, Patriarch Filaret (discussing the Ukrainian language in sermons), Valentyna Stepova, Viktor Pavlik, Volodymyr Nechyporuk, publisher of the Ukrainian-language fashion magazine, Yeva [Eve], joined by its Editor-in-Chief Serhiy Fashchuk, and PiK [Politics and Culture] deputy editor Orest Sokhar. The Friday before last the program hosted Sviatoslav Vakarchuk (Okean Elzy), fresh from the band’s all-Ukrainian tour and speaking optimistically of how the Ukrainian language has been received by the youth in Ukraine’s east and south. Each of them in his own way has done a great deal to revive and popularize the language and enhance its prestige.”
“Who are the target listeners of the program?”
“Those who care about the future of the Ukrainian language, whether it will survive or ever match Russian in the extent of its usage, prestige, and popularity in Ukraine.”
“What results do you expect from ‘De-Russification’?”
“In general, I hope for a gradual de-Russification. Of course, I don’t think the program will bring about any revolutionary changes. I conceived the program, feeling that a part of our society is extremely worried and pained with the plight of the Ukrainian language. Unfortunately, there is virtually no platform on television and radio where this issue could be discussed in a calm and serious way. Some of the print media, The Day included, dedicate much ink to a serious discussion of this issue. Incidentally, last Friday we hosted The Day’s Editor-in-Chief Larysa Ivshyna. But more often than not other print media turn levelheaded discussions into hysterical campaigns whose bottom line is a reminder that everyone is obliged to speak Ukrainian and that’s that. In our program we proceed from the fact that everybody is free to decide which language he ought to use. If you haven’t noticed, our program is not called ‘Ukrainization.’ It’s called ‘De- Russification’ because this is a more specific and correct name for the process. It means a return from a state of Russification to one of the normal development of the Ukrainian language. Ukrainian society is made up of two more or less equal Russian-speaking and Ukrainian-speaking communities (in terms of the language spoken at home; when asked by census takers what their native language is, about two-thirds of the total population give Ukrainian — Ed.), according to general polling data. In my view, in its language policy the government must first satisfy the needs of the Ukrainian-speaking part of society, which is currently discriminated against. If half the population speaks Ukrainian, the question becomes: What ever happened to the half of the Ukrainian- language television broadcasts, books, or newspapers? Such an agenda will make it easier to find common ground with Russophones. Moreover, this is in line with general democratic principles of human and national rights.”
“You mentioned that there’s no platform for addressing language concerns. Then why have you chosen Public Radio, which is an Internet project?”
“Now Public Radio does not broadcast on the Internet alone. It uses the radio frequencies of Radio Continent (100.9 FM) and Radio Rocks Ukraine (103.6 FM). My program goes on the air each Friday at 5 p.m. at the Radio Rocks frequency (103.6 FM).
“I get the impression that this issue, just like scores of other sociopolitical issues, is a taboo at other radio stations, let alone television. Obviously, they are not mature enough for such discussions. The Public Radio is thus far the only talk radio station where a discussion free from any censorship is possible. Speaking on the air about the language issue, we naturally understand how complex and delicate this issue is, since it can hurt the national feelings of our citizens. The principle of tolerance is the only thing that conditions our behavior on the air. The host and all guests, no matter how radical their views might be, stick to the principle of tolerance.”