The Ukrainian language has a long and rich history dating back to the late 9th century and the ancient state of Kyivan Rus. It has survived the centuries of oppression and persecution from the side of Imperial Russia and now is developing and spreading not only in Ukraine but in other countries as well, for example, U.S. universities already have courses and resources for those who want to study the Ukrainian language. It is one of the most beautiful and melodic languages in the world along with French and Italian. These translations of famous Ukrainians’ quotes may serve as the embodiment of the Ukrainian language’s nature.
Words Are Indeed the Most Powerful Tool to Speak for Nations
- Happiness has the shape of the triangle with faith, hope, and love as its three sides.
Bohdan Ihor Antonych
The famous Ukrainian poet included the original quote in his poem “Triangle”. It was written in 1932 during the period of the Bolsheviks’ oppression of Ukrainian culture and, thus, published only in 1967. This quote represents the core values of the Ukrainian people as embodied in poetry.
- No man can live without honor.
Julian Vassiyan
The philosopher and one of the leaders of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists fought for the independence of Ukraine during both World Wars. His works in general and this quote in particular show spirit of freedom and why the Ukrainian language continues to thrive despite attempts of imperial and Bolsheviks’ governments to destroy it.
- You will be responsible for father’s and brother’s deaths if you fail to stand against the enemy in dark and evil times.
Oleksandr Dovzhenko
This prominent screenwriter and director wrote the screenplay for the film entitled “Ukraine in Flames”. This quote from the script represents the urge for cultural and national identity under the circumstances of the Bolsheviks’ and Nazi occupation of the Ukrainian territory.
- Better die in battle than choose the miserable existence of non-essential stepchild of the great historical changes.
Oleksandr Dovzhenko
The Ukrainian language cannot be properly understood without knowing the historical context that determined the development of the nation. Dovzhenko’s personal diary where this thought has been taken from shows how the Ukrainian language is the result of the nation’s refusal to become enslaved.
- The courage is born when hope overcomes fear.
Georgiy Konisky
Konisky, the 18th-century philosopher and ecclesiastic, contributed to the development of science, philosophy, and education in contemporary Ukraine. His works and specifically this quote reflect the very essence of the Ukrainian language as the way how it survived during difficult historical times is explained.
- It seems that people can be taught wisdom only through woe and calamities.
Panteleimon Kulish
The well-known writer, poet, and folklorist gathered a lot of information about the Ukrainian people that were later utilized in his works. The quote from his novel “Black Council” warns modern readers against repeating mistakes that led to many tragic events in the history of Ukraine. If you’re not confident in your writing skills, you can practice at studyclerk as a writer. This is really good opportunity for beginners.
- The value of time is fully appreciated only when it is gone.
Gregory Skovoroda
One of the most influential philosophers in the 18th century Ukraine also worked as a teacher, composer, and poet. His works contributed to the development of modern-day Ukraine and its culture. This aphorism informs audience that the Ukrainian language is perfectly good for complex philosophical and theological texts.
- Life is indeed very complicated and there is no other manual than real-life experience.
Gregory Tutunnyk
This writer had to prove the value of his works and this specific aphorism with his own life, as he had to go through many ordeals during World War II. He devoted himself to the pedagogical sphere after the war ended and successfully worked to improve the quality of contemporary Ukrainian literature.
- What a dishonor to just bend down and obey fate.
Famous writer and poet has proven the value of this aphorism with her own life as she was a very active participant of the nationalist and feminist movements in early 20th century Ukraine.
- You will expand the limits of personal knowledge only facing and challenging your own ignorance.
Kostyantyn Ushinsky
The fact that the Ukrainian language constantly tends to develop and become even more beautiful is represented in this quote from pedagogical works written by the prominent Ukrainian educator and writer Ushinsky.
Conclusion
Quotes represent the obstacles that the Ukrainians had to overcome to maintain their identity under the circumstances of imperial oppression and cultural ban. Many famous philosophers, writers, poets, and social leaders emphasized the role of courage, honesty, honor, love, and ability to overcome difficulties in development of the Ukrainian nation. These specific focuses are often reflected in written texts. Many other nations would have disappeared if they found themselves under the same circumstances that the Ukrainians had to deal with during many centuries. The preserved beauty of the Ukrainian language and its continuous development are the best proofs of the nation’s power and unique cultural identity.
