On Literacy and Language Day, Zelenskyi suggested to Ukrainians doing one helpful thing
photo: Office of the President
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi congratulated Ukrainians on the Day of Ukrainian Literacy and Language and offered anyone who has a friend or colleague who doesn't speak Ukrainian to encourage them to learn the language.
He wrote about it on social networks.
"I was born in Kryvyi Rih, in a Russian-speaking family. I went to school six years before Ukraine gained independence. I always fondly remember the school and university years that gave me my beloved wife, faithful friends, and knowledge and skills.
There was only one thing that I realized over time and that I regretted. During these years, I didn't have the pleasure and opportunity to learn my native Ukrainian well. To study so as not only to understand but also to communicate with it. Freely and correctly. Not being reminiscent of a former prime minister.
On the other hand, I see a positive side in all this. Because mastering Ukrainian in adulthood is an incredible emotion. It's like conquering a mountain peak for the first time in your life and bating your breath from the surrounding beauty. It's like seeing the best paintings in the world for the first time, hearing the best music, visiting our planet's legendary places. And I kindly envy everyone who has these feelings ahead.
There are many of our citizens who have heard their mother sing lullabies in another language since they were little. Those who uttered their first words, and studied, declared their love in another language. Who speaks Russian, Hungarian, Crimean Tatar, Romanian, Armenian, Bulgarian, and many other languages.
Does it mean that they dislike or disrespect Ukrainian? No. Does it mean that they're not patriots of Ukraine? No. Unlike in political tribunes and talk show studios, there's no language division in the trenches on the front line, among our heroes who've been defending Ukraine since 2014. And among our doctors, who bravely fight the coronavirus today, saving lives.
We all put our right hand to our heart when "Ukraine's glory has not yet died…" is playing. And when we hear "Confess to me…", we definitely pick up and sing: "From where you get those spells?" We all admire the power of the writings of Taras Shevchenko, Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka, Vasyl Stus, Vasyl Symonenko, Lina Kostenko, and many other giants of Ukrainian literature.
There are many citizens who for many reasons could not and have not yet mastered the Ukrainian language.
But bullying, aggression, coercion will not contribute to studying.
Let's do one helpful thing today, on the Day of Ukrainian Literacy and Language. Almost every one of us has a friend, comrade, or colleague who isn't lucky to speak Ukrainian. Become a guide to this world for them, show them the treasure of the Ukrainian word, recommend your favorite Ukrainian writer or poet.
Make them fall in love with the Ukrainian language!
It should be a language of unity, brotherhood, sincerity, goodness, freedom, respect, and love for one another. After all, it's the most beautiful in the world!
Happy Day of Ukrainian Literacy and Language," the president wrote.
