31 July 2025

A conversation with Ostap Ukrainsky about language, consciousness, and colonial heritage

(Photo: Intent)

<span>Is there a 'correct' Ukrainian, and what place does surzhyk occupy in the language space? </span>Intent<span> </span><span>spoke</span><span>about this </span><span>with writer, translator, and cultural activist Ostap Ukrainets, an author who explores language not only as a tool of communication but also as a space of identity, historical memory, and political influence.</span>

Ostap Ukrainets is a Ukrainian writer and translator. He is the founder and creator of the YouTube channel Your Underground Humanitarian. He actively works with public opinion, often publicly commenting on Soviet narratives and language policy. He writes in the genres of fantasy and historical fiction, often using complex and ambiguous philosophical or historical references. Since March 2024, he has been mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Watch the interview about understanding Odesa integration, linguistic heritage, and Soviet politics on Intent.

Катерина Глушко

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