In the latest episode of the "What's Up with NUZH?" podcast, journalist Vitalii Portnikov provides comprehensive answers to current questions about ethnic origin, language, religion, and collective memory in the formation of Ukraine’s political nation.
Portnikov reflects on approaches to ethnic identity, the complex relationships among Ukrainians, Jews, Russians, and other peoples in Ukraine, emphasizing that most minorities are indigenous to their regions. Special attention is paid to the role of language, its impact on self-identification, language policy, and the consequences of Soviet assimilation.
The conversation raises issues of political nation-building, the place of religion and the church (especially the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church), and the pace of Ukrainianization of language and the cultural space. The importance of preserving regional dialects, literary language, and cultural heritage are discussed.
The guest stresses that integrating courses like “Fundamentals of Christian Ethics” into education is crucial for nurturing ethical norms, regardless of faith or ethnicity. Historical complexities are also addressed, such as the settlement of Russians in Ukrainian cities, the development of Ukrainian identity through industrialization, and the church’s role in preserving cultural heritage.
The discussion concludes with perspectives on healthy Ukrainianization and the development of a shared cultural space that values diversity, regional features, and is free from feelings of inferiority related to origin or language.
