Ukraine is commonly seen as being a separated country, dominated by two different cultural and political communities. The first one identifies with the “Western” world, whereas the second is strongly oriented towards Russia. In her newest text, “Language, Identity, Politics – the Myth of Two Ukraines”, Dr. Joanna Fomina is explaining the misleading nature of this concept.
 
According the theory of the two Ukraine’s one is pro-European, shares values of  liberal democracy, strives to join the European Union in order to “return to Europe” and above all: is communicating in the Ukrainian language. The symbolic centre of this Ukraine is Lviv. The second feels nostalgia for the Soviet Union, is closely connected to contemporary Russia, opposes the West and has no respect for values associated with it. This groups language is Russian and their “capital” is Donetsk.
 
As Dr. Joanna Fomina is demonstrating in her text “Language, Identity, Politics – The Myth of two Ukraines”,this narration is not appropriate. Her argument is supported by the use of empiric data concerning among others attitudes towards Ukrainian and Russian language and viewpoints on democracy throughout different regions in Ukraine.
 
The author do not question the fact that a certain separation in Ukrainian society can be observed. However she highlight that the theory of the two Ukraine’s is not suitable to give a proper view of the situation in the country, but on the contrary does not reveal most significant differences.
 
We encourage you to read the full text: Language, Identity, Politics – The Myth of two Ukraines
 
This text is an expanded version of Polish report Język, tożsamość, polityka – opowieść o dwóch Ukrainach

The text was presented by Dr. Joanna Fomina in Berlin, 7 April 2014, at a seminar organised by the Bertelsmann Foundation