When Ukrainian refugees arrive in Finland, their journey to adaptation encompasses numerous challenges, from securing housing to navigating a new cultural landscape. Yet, one of their transition's most nuanced and deeply personal aspects involves choosing which language to use.Perhaps an important specificity of the Ukrainian case is that many Ukrainian immigrants come from a society with a complex bilingual cultural context and now face many difficult choices. The war, the receiving society, local communities, and many other factors may influence the outcomes of these choices.

For many Ukrainians, language is a significant component of their identity and how they wish to be perceived in their new environment.

The Role of Language in Shaping Identity

Language is far more than a means of communication – it is a vital part of personal and collective identity. For Ukrainian refugees, the choice between Ukrainian and Russian reflects a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political factors.

The project DECA (Democratic Epistemic Capacities in the Age of Algorithms) investigates the political, social, and psychological mechanisms that develop epistemic capacity at different levels of Finnish society. One of its tasks is to investigate how linguistic minorities in Finland access, use, and interact with knowledge in different languages. In interviews with Ukrainian refugees in Finland, it becomes clear that the choice of language is deeply intertwined with their sense of self, their national identity. One respondent highlighted this connection, stating that he speaks Russian and Ukrainian, but in Finland, he predominantly uses Ukrainian. Another respondent says that if people hear him speaking Ukrainian and recognize him as Ukrainian, then the attitude of the one who hears it changes. This sentiment reflects a broader trend where the use of Ukrainian is seen as a marker of national identity and solidarity.

Historical Influences on Language Preferences

The history of Ukraine's linguistic landscape plays a significant role in shaping the language preferences of refugees. Many Ukrainians grew up in environments where both Ukrainian and Russian were spoken, often in different contexts. For instance, a refugee from Mariupol shared, “I primarily used Russian before the war, as I graduated from a Russian-speaking school. Now, even though I am studying in Ukrainian at university, I still find myself using Russian out of habit”. This example illustrates how historical and educational backgrounds influence language choices.

Russian aggression against Ukraine has intensified the desire among many Ukrainians to use Ukrainian more frequently. As one young refugee who was a refugee in Estonia before noted, “After a year of living in Estonia, I only used Ukrainian on the streets there because when you hear Russian in Estonia, you don't understand who it is at all.” This shift is driven by a need to distance oneself from Russian associations and to reinforce a Ukrainian identity in response to the war.

In addition, respondents note that many people want to get rid of any reminder of the Russian language, culture, and Russia because it causes them negative emotions.

Language as a Means of Social Integration

Language choices also reflect practical considerations related to integration into Finnish society. For many refugees, adapting to a new country involves learning Finnish or Swedish and deciding which of their languages to use in different settings. One refugee explained that he uses Ukrainian whenever possible, but, if necessary, he switches to Russian or even Finnish. This pragmatic approach helps refugees navigate various social contexts while maintaining their sense of national belonging.

In Finland, Ukrainian refugees often face social pressures related to their language use. Some anticipated prejudice or negative assumptions based on their choice of language. “I try to avoid speaking Russian in public, as I was advised when we arrived,” said one refugee. This caution reflects broader concerns about how language might affect social interactions and perceptions in their new community.

The Impact of Language on Community and Belonging

The decision to use Ukrainian or Russian also affects refugees' sense of community and belonging. For many, speaking Ukrainian is away to connect with other Ukrainians and to affirm their cultural identity.“For me, and for many others, the war has clarified the importance of using Ukrainian more consistently. It's a way to reaffirm our identity and connect with our roots”. This sense of belonging is crucial for refugees who are trying to rebuild their lives in a new country.

Moreover, using Ukrainian helps reinforce a collective identity that distinguishes Ukrainian refugees from people of Russian background. One respondent noted that she avoids mentioning that she understands Russian when filling out questionnaires, for example, Kela, and in various public settings because she wants to present her national identity as Ukrainian, not Russian. This distinction is not only about personal preference but also about navigating the complex dynamics of identity in a politically charged environment.

Conclusion

For Ukrainian refugees in Finland, language is crucial to their journey towards adaptation and identity reconstruction. The choice between Ukrainian and Russian is not merely a practical decision but a profound reflection of their personal and collective identity. Recognizing and supporting these linguistic choices can help create a more inclusive and understanding environment for refugees, facilitating their integration and honoring their cultural heritage.

In navigating their new lives, Ukrainian refugees are making significant efforts to assert their identity and adapt to their surroundings. By acknowledging the importance of their language choices, we can contribute to a more supportive and empathetic approach to refugee integration,ensuring that their voices are heard, and their identities respected.

Karina Adamusik works as a research assistant in the DECA's work package that examines the availability, reception and production of information from the perspective of young Russian and Ukrainian speakers who have recently arrived in Finland. Adamusik holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University in Ukraine.

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