Ukraine launches award for popularization of Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages

Ukraine plans to recognize teachers, scholars, and cultural figures who popularize the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages in the world. The first awards will be presented in October 2025.

This was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga.

Ukraine has launched a new award called "Wave / Dalga" for the popularization of Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar languages in the world. The award is intended to recognize teachers, scholars and cultural figures who have made a significant contribution to the development and spread of these languages abroad.

According to the official, the award is intended to support those who create educational and scientific materials, open or develop language learning centers, excel in teaching, or organize international events to promote them.

Candidates can be nominated by Ukrainian and foreign cultural institutions, research centers, diplomatic missions, diaspora organizations, and jury members. The winners will receive cash prizes and support for their further work from the Ukrainian Institute.

The award ceremony for the first winners is scheduled for early October 2025. Nominations are accepted until September 10, more information can be found on the pages of the Ukrainian Institute and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In April, the Government of Ukraine approved a new version of the Crimean Tatar language spelling based on the Latin alphabet. This officially completed the transition of the language from Cyrillic to Latin. The spelling is based on the 2021 alphabet and takes into account modern language norms and the historical tradition of the Crimean Tatar language. The document regulates the rules of spelling, use of the language in education, media, literature and place names.

Last year, the Crimean Tatar language became available in Google's translation service. The company added it to the list of 110 new languages in the translator. Google noted that Crimean Tatar is one of the languages that, according to UNESCO's classification, requires additional protection.

Анна Бальчінос