Ukrainian language is mandatory not only in lessons: educators were reminded of fines of up to UAH 11,900

The requirement to use the state language in the educational process applies not only to lessons, but also to extracurricular activities, communication between teachers and students and parents, in particular in work and parent chats. Violation of language legislation is subject to administrative liability.

This was stated by the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language Olena Ivanovska in an address to educators.

According to her, the educational process covers not only directly educational classes, but also educational, organizational and extracurricular activities. Therefore, the requirement to use the Ukrainian language is valid throughout the entire time of stay in an educational institution and applies to all types of educational communication.

The state language must be used by teaching staff during classes, in communication with students, as well as among themselves within the educational process.

Can a teacher require students to speak Ukrainian

As the language ombudsman emphasized, a teacher’s remark to students about the need to use the state language during the educational process is a legitimate pedagogical method.

It is aimed, in particular, at the formation of the child’s key competencies and national identity.

At the same time, Ivanovska drew attention to the fact that the use of the Russian language in public school communication can create emotional tension and provoke conflicts in the educational environment.

What language should be used in parent chats

The Commissioner also paid attention to communication with parents of schoolchildren.

Parents are participants in the educational process, and communication regarding the organization of learning, in particular in parent chats, correspondence with teachers and the administration of the institution, belongs to the public sphere of education.

Therefore, according to the position of the language ombudsman, such communication should be carried out in the state language.

These are working and parent groups in which parents, educators, teachers, administration and students communicate on issues related to the organization of the educational process.

What are the penalties?

The Commissioner reminded that liability for violation of the requirements for the use of the state language in education is provided for by Article 188-52 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses.

For the first violation, a warning may be issued or a fine of 3,400 to 5,100 hryvnias may be imposed.

For a repeated violation within a year, the fine is from 8,500 to 11,900 hryvnias.

Previously, Olena Ivanovska also spoke out in favor of a significant increase in fines for persons who systematically ignore the requirements of the law on the use of the state language. According to her, the current sanctions are not always effective enough.