State language policy in Ukraine: content and approaches to implementation

Abstract

Problem setting. The states of the world, regulating the principles of language policy, consider it as a tool for the systematic integration of society segments (the titular ethnic group, national minorities and migrants) in the formation of a single humanitarian space. The need for state influence on the linguistic relations regulation is actualized by the multifunctionality of the state language, which ensures the proper functioning of the national organism, performs the function of an official communication in the country. The complexity of the current linguistic situation in Ukraine is a logical consequence of the long-running struggle that has been waged with Ukrainian identity, statehood and language. Therefore, the improvement of linguistic relations requires compensation of linguistic losses, active promotion of the Ukrainian language by the state structures, its spread in the educational sphere etc. It should also be noted that traditional instruments of language policy operate rather slowly. Consequently, the question arises of justifying new approaches to the formulation and implementation of this policy, as well as their functioning alongside traditional ones. Recent research and publications analysis. Various aspects of language relations are the subject of consideration of such scholars as G. Yankovskaya, V. Zabolotsky, N. Popovich, E. Tkachenko, O. Sergeeva, Y. Kuts, I. Lopushinsky, T. Kovaleva, P. Redin and others. This also applies to the scientific work of young scientists such as L. Beley, D. Vlasenko, G. Panchenko, G. Evseyev and others. Highlighting previously unsettled parts of the general problem. Paper objective is to clarify the main definitions and prove modern approaches to the formation of mechanisms of state language policy implementation in Ukraine. Paper main body. Required criteria – the characteristics of a language that applies for a state legal regime determine the naturalness, development and prevalence of the language. Additional include the language of the titular nation and the language of the indigenous people. The features of the concept of “state language” are revealed because of the peculiarities of the legal regime: – legislative consolidation of the legal regime; – compulsory use; – rights and obligations; – the existence of an organizational structure to ensure the legal regime of the state language. So the legal mode turns the state language into a universal resource of official communication in the state, as well as the exercise of citizens’ rights and freedoms. In the general sense, the main components of state language policy can be considered as: the policy of development, protection and maintenance of the the state language functioning; national policy for the protection of linguistic rights. The complex mechanism for implementing state language policy includes the following basic elements: legal, political, organizational, informational, economic and motivational. The components of managerial mechanisms should be determined by the scheme: mechanism – method – means (measure) – tool (lever, regulator, technology). Notwithstanding the importance and appropriateness of traditional policy tools and instruments, their arsenal needs substantial expansion. The motivation mechanism should include various modern resources, tools and technologies, including: public relations or PR, social advertising, language marketing etc. It is necessary to build a strategy based on the materials of specialized research. Such a practice may be a new stage in the history of language policy, although it should be noted that its implementation requires proper provision, regulatory, organizational, personnel, financial etc. Conclusions and prospects for further research. Language policy should not only be proclaimed, but also reflected in government programs, national, state, regional and sectorial programs, concepts, main directions and scenarios of development, the state budget and so on. Marketing tools are quite effective in developing programs to enhance the image and raise the profile of the national language; this approach will also allow the rational and efficient use of public funds.