M. Arshad
The interethnic dynamics in Ukraine have been complex, with a significant portion of the population identifying as ethnic Ukrainians, while others are ethnic Russians, Ukrainians of Russian descent, or belonging to various minority groups like Hungarians, Romanians, Roma, Slovaks, Germans and Jews with special emphasis on the Rusyn.
These numerous ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and identity, have been playing a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and national unity in a nation as diverse.
Inter-ethnic communities are the lifeblood of any country, serving as a beacon of unity and resilience during crises and wars. During times of crisis, whether it be a natural disaster, economic downturn, or a public health emergency, inter-ethnic communities demonstrate remarkable resilience and solidarity. In times of war, the unity of a nation are put to the ultimate test. Inter-ethnic communities play a pivotal role in bolstering a nation’s defense efforts as well. When faced with external threats, citizens often unite, putting aside their ethnic differences to protect their homeland.
In order to keep the diverse ethnic communities united as a contributing force for the defence and unity of any state, education plays a crucial role but it looks that Ukraine is doing otherwise as its education law introduced in 2017, has become a topic of heated debate and controvers justy, particularly regarding its impact on inter-ethnic communication. The law introduced reforms related to language policies in education. Critics argue that these reforms may have unintended consequences, including limiting inter-ethnic communication and cultural diversity.
One of the key provisions of the law that has sparked controversy is the emphasis on the use of the Ukrainian language in education. The law requires that the Ukrainian language be the primary language of instruction in schools, starting from the first grade. While proponents argue that this move will promote national cohesion and language unity.
Critics contend that it can have adverse effects on minority communities in Ukraine, particularly in regions with significant Hungarian minority of roughly 100,000 people, who speak Hungarian language in some 1,500 kilometers west of the front line of war between Russia and Ukraine, in a mountainous region of Zakarpattia that borders four EU countries, lies a red-roofed town Berehove, just 7 kilometers from the Hungarian border.
The education law’s insistence on Ukrainian as the primary language of instruction can be seen as an attempt to assimilate minority communities.
Some argue that this approach can isolate minority students from their cultural heritage, making it more challenging for them to maintain and pass on their languages and traditions. This has raised concerns about the potential erosion of linguistic diversity and inter-ethnic communication in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian education law has also drawn the attention of international community. Organizations such as the Council of Europe and the United Nations have expressed concerns about the potential infringement on minority rights, including the right to education in one’s native language.
Although, Ukrainian authorities have defended the law, emphasizing that it aims to promote national unity and strengthen the Ukrainian language. They argue that the law does not prohibit the study of other languages, including those of national minorities, as separate subjects. The neighbouring Hungarian government has already called on Ukraine to stop curbing the rights of the hungarian minority and restore the rights the ethnic Hungarians enjoyed earlier. Before war in Ukraine, the Hungarian government showed serious concern over the ethnic minority’s rights but it willingly set aside the issue expecting that acts against Transcarpathian Hungarian will stop.
Although, the Hungarians have long grumbled about being neglected by Kyiv, but the Russian invasion has brought Ukrainians and the minority communities together as the ethnic Hungarians especially come forward to host an influx of refugees from east Ukraine into their hotels, private boarding houses, and even schools.
Hungarian relief workers, church groups, volunteers and authorities have helped Ukrainian refugees at the border, and delivered truckloads of aid into Ukraine.
For example, in the Bethlen Gabor town, Hungarian-language boarding schools where classes have been suspended since the war began, its dormitory rooms now house internally displaced Ukrainians.
This type of helping hand extended by ethnic-Hungarians in western region can contribute to become a common history of cooperation and success of Kyiv. In turn, Ukraine may consider changing its image as a more tolerant nation in the eyes of Zakarpattian Hungarians and other national communities of Ukraine by allowing them to follow their respective culture, tradition and language maintaining beauty of diversity leading to a more harmonious coexistence.
The writer is a freelancer based in Islamabad and can be reached at: arschadch76@gmail.com
