Language learning as a factor in preserving the identity of Ukrainians in Poland

Language learning as a factor in preserving the identity of Ukrainians in Poland. One of the primary factors in fostering national identity is mastery of one’s native language, preservation of national memory, and nurturing of cultural traditions of one’s people. The Republic of Poland is a state that has one of the most significant Ukrainian minorities and has hospitably sheltered a vast mass of Ukrainian immigrants who left the Motherland due to Russian military aggression. The purpose of the article is to investigate the possibilities for preserving the identity of Ukrainians in 17 Poland through teaching children their native language. We have implemented the following tasks to achieve the goal: 1) We have determined the role of the national language in preserving identity. 2) We have clarified the historical and political prerequisites for a large Ukrainian community in Poland. 3) We have outlined the distinct types of educational opportunities for teaching children their native language in the Republic of Poland. 4) We have revealed the trends in the positioning of the Ukrainian language in Polish society. The article draws attention to different types of migration of Ukrainians. It reveals specific differences in intentions to nurture Ukrainian identity, satisfy one’s own national and cultural needs, and avoid assimilation. We have distinguished and characterized three types of educational institutions in the modern education school of the Republic of Poland where children are taught the Ukrainian language: Saturday schools or educational institutions under public organizations; Polish secondary schools, where Ukrainian is studied as a second foreign language; Educational institutions that conduct Ukrainian language training. We have revealed that the primary trend related to the positioning of the Ukrainian language in Polish society is the strengthening of its status in line with the educational policy of the European Union due to the increased interest of Poles in Ukraine, its language and culture.