Over time, Russia has come to be a strong influence within Ukrainian culture due to intertwined pasts and close proximity. Not only this, but our respective languages are highly similar allowing for an even closer connection to grow.

Whether or not this connection has been cherished or despised over the years, it is undeniable. And this connection is key to understanding the linguistic culture of Ukraine.

So, what are these languages?

You may have guessed by now that the two main languages of Ukraine are both Ukrainian and Russian.

Though Ukrainian and Russian are spoken throughout the country in varying degrees from region to region, most Ukrainians will tell you that Ukrainian is the dominant language within the country.

The development of the Ukrainian language in all spheres of social life is encouraged by the Ukrainian government, whereas only the free use of the Russian language is accounted for.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the Russian language is pushed to the side as a considerable amount of people within Ukraine still speak it in their day to day lives.

On top of this, many notices and instructions will be translated into both languages.

How similar are Russian and Ukrainian?

In a short answer, very similar!

Both languages are not only from the Slavic family but are both known as eastern Slavic languages.

Due to their similar origins, both languages have almost the exact same grammar and vocabulary.

Many people claim that Russian and Ukrainian are mutually intelligible with a monolingual speaker of one language being able to understand a monolingual speaker of the other language.

This claim has been backed up by multiple studies that claim Russian and Ukrainian to be 90% alike.

Of course, this varies from region to region of Ukraine with the massive amount of dialects intersperse throughout the country, but the general consensus is that both languages are almost exactly alike.

Where exactly in Ukraine do they speak Russian?

67.5% of Ukrainians cite Ukrainian as their primary language while 38% note Russian as being their chosen language, with the majority of Russian speakers are situated within the eastern region of Ukraine.

The vast majority of Russian speakers can be found within the Donbas and Crimean regions.

What is the main language spoken in Kiev?

Ask any inhabitant of Kiev and they’ll tell you that the main language on the street is Russian.

It’s also acknowledged that the Ukrainian language is gaining traction, but most interactions are still held within Russian.

Despite any rumors you’ve heard, in reality, there’s barely any cold feeling towards the Russian language in Kiev and people will happily undertake a conversation in either language as long as they have adequate proficiency.

What about English?

The level of spoken English within English is still relatively low compared to its European counterparts.

But don’t get me wrong, this isn’t due to lack of care but the already complicated linguistic culture of Ukraine. And though spoken English may not be perfect, many Ukrainians of the younger generations will be able to understand your questions or statements.

Only 20% of Ukrainians claim to have conversational skills in the English language.

If you’re concerned about being able to get by using only English in Ukraine or simply curious about the use of the language within the country, especially in the capital, then head over to Speaking English In Kiev: Is It An Effective Means Of Communication?

How to learn Ukrainian?

So, you want to be like a native and you’ve picked Ukrainian as your language of choice. Perhaps you even just want to have an easier trip to Ukraine.

Either way, there are plenty of available pathways from which you can learn Ukrainian.

Start learning online

Of course, the preferable pathway of language learning for beginners is online.

You can learn at your own pace, to the beat of your own drum, and can build up a foundation of grammar and vocabulary before releasing your Ukrainian language skills into the real world.

Some of the recommended courses can be found with a simple search online.

If you’d rather dive right in and start speaking the language from the get-go – a Ukrainian language tutor may just be right for you.

Websites like 101 Languages has great free resources to kick start your learning experience, just make sure to open the web not the mobile version, as they will not be visible otherwise.

You can also try Dolingo, they have a decent Ukrainian program, and it is all free.

Consider hiring a professional tutor

But if you wish to get a more realistic experience of speaking Ukrainian, then there are plenty of Ukrainian speakers who would be delighted to tutor you through online calling services such as Skype.

Start at Tutor Hunt or Preply where you will find plenty of professional tutors.

Add some creative ways of learning

Why not get in contact with a Ukrainian speaking penpal if you want to improve your writing or watch some Ukrainian movies or TV.

All of these are effective methods of practicing every aspect of a language to get you ready for your stay in Ukraine!

So, if you’re planning on heading to Ukraine there’s no need to fret too much about the language.

There are plenty of resources of which you can avail if you wish to become conversational, proficient or even fluent in the language – it’s entirely up to you!

What matters is that you understand the complex linguistic dynamic within Ukraine and acknowledge that there may be misunderstandings from time to time.

And most of all, don’t hesitate to jump on into your Ukrainian language learning journey, you won’t regret it!

If you don’t think you’ll have the time, there’s always the option of hiring a personal tour guide.

Make sure to contact me to ensure that you pick the right Kiev tour guide!

See you in Kiev

The post What Languages Are Really Spoken in Ukraine? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

But with the turbulent linguistic past, they simply haven’t yet had the opportunity to effectively incorporate any other language over a wide scope.

As you probably already guessed, the official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, but here’s the twist!

Russian is practically the second (but not official) language of the country.

Razumkov Center poll undertaken in early 2017 suggests that 68% have taken Ukrainian as their only language, with 13% stating Russian as their preferred choice.

Though it seems that the numbers seem to be largely skewed towards the use of Ukrainian this has been shown to depend largely on the varying Regions of Ukraine with the biggest discrepancy being recorded between Western Ukraine (92.8%) and Eastern Ukraine (36.1%) or the Donbas region (27.4%.)

Many Ukrainians do not speak English

English is not particularly at the forefront of Ukrainian school’s curriculums.

There is, however, an increasing interest in English among the younger generations due to the prospects it so often brings and its presence within popular media.

With up to 20% of Ukrainians citing a proficient level in English, it’s only natural that the percentage would be higher for those within cities.

But don’t expect the older generations to be able to understand your every word!

Most will simply know the basics. So, if you must speak in English, make sure you do so slowly and clearly.

Keep in mind that the level of English will also diminish as you head out farther away from the bigger cities of Ukraine.

English in Kiev

If you are an English speaker who wishes to travel to Kiev to explore all it has to offer, it’s only natural that you’d be inquisitive about the standard of English spoken here.

Especially if you have no grasp of either of the two most popular languages in the city.

The prospect of trying to find a way around a country with an entirely different writing system can be enough to make anyone sweat.

Fortunately, for you, many of Kiev’s inhabitants will be able to understand your inquiries, however, they may struggle to respond.

A little bit of patience will go a long way towards a smooth and easy stay in Kiev through English.

You may find some signs, leaflets, notices and most restaurants/cafés menus with English translations.

You’ll also find plenty of tour guides around the city that will be delighted to help you explore Ukraine by acting as a translator between you and the inner world of Kiev.

Feel free to contact me if you are planning to visit Ukraine, and I will be your own personal guide in Kiev!

What languages are spoken in Ukraine?

It’s not a surprise that there is some contention in Ukraine over the two main spoken languages (Ukrainian and Russian).

This can be put down to the history that both Ukraine and Russia share.

Not to mention how alike the two languages are with some studies citing the languages as being 90% similar.

You’ll find a mix & match of both languages throughout Kiev. There’s also a spattering of minority languages that can be heard in some cities in such as Romanian, Polish, and Hungarian.

Ukrainian vs Russian: which languages is easier?

Perhaps the idea of diving into one of the aforementioned languages has now popped into your head.

Why not?

Even if you learn a few essential sentences your journey will be a lot more pleasurable and satisfying.

It’s then only natural to wonder which language is the easier to learn of the two. The truth is that there isn’t a great deal of difference.

With both languages being of Slavic origin, they are composed of similar grammar and vocabulary.

It is true, however, that many English speakers that opt to learn both Ukrainian and Russian languages have found Russian pronunciation to be somewhat more of a challenge.

Both languages also use the same writing systems knows as Cyrillic, so the task of learning an entirely new alphabet is equally challenging for both languages.

Navigating Kiev without knowing Ukrainian or Russian

Without a doubt, the best way for anyone to traverse Kiev without knowing either of the popular languages is to hire a personal tour guide.

A professional tour guide will delightfully facilitate your travels throughout the city.

If this isn’t an option for you, your best bet is to keep your English simple and to the point.

Don’t give up if you don’t get the answer you are looking for the first time. Remain polite and understanding and others will help you.

Kiev is a welcoming city that will be delighted to help you find your way as long as you ask.

Consider downloading an easy access downloadable app that will allow you to translate those tricky sentences.

The moral of the story is that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help through English if strictly necessary – you’ll always find someone with a sufficient level of English to help you.

Despite this, it’s highly recommendable that you make an attempt to learn the basics of either of the two languages (Ukrainian or Russian), not only as a sign of respect but for your own safety and ease-of-mind.

Consider hiring a personal guide to bypass any problems that may arise due to differences in language.

Not only will this improve your trip immensely but will give you the real authentic experience of Kiev.

Just head over to the contact page and start planning your trip to Kiev with a delightful personal Kiev guide, who is ready to show you around the city!

See you in Kiev

The post Speaking English In Kiev: Is It An Effective Means Of Communication? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.