Соціолінгвістика: праця, натхнення, покликання (до ювілею Лариси Масенко)

Abstract

Висвітлюється науковий доробок Л. Т. Масенко - визначного українського мовознавця, доктора філологічних наук, професора. Проаналізовано основні засади її соціолінгвістичної концепції, схарактеризовано вплив її ідей на мовну політику в сучасній Україні.

The Ukrainian sociolinguistics, which in Soviet times could not develop normally due to ideological restrictions, nowadays has all the possibilities for a full-fledged development. One of its key figures is Larysa Masenko, known for her work on the analysis of the language situation in Ukraine, the problems of bilingualism, and language policy. This year she celebrates her anniversary. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to cover the academic achievements of L. Masenko, to analyze the basic principles of her sociolinguistic conception, and to characterize the influence of her ideas on the language policy in modern Ukraine. Methods. The study uses biographical methods, methods of analyzing linguistic literature, and generalization of basic ideas. Results. L. Masenko touches upon all the main problems of the functioning of the Ukrainian language. She was one of the first researchers to introduce the major categories of sociolinguistics (language situation, language conflict, language resistance, language policy) into the Ukrainian context. Describing modern language processes, the researcher reproduces their historical background, analyzes in the light of socio-cultural and psycholinguistic approaches. Among the main problems that arise relating to the Ukrainian language, L. Masenko indicates an undermined demographic base, narrowed communicative functions, russification at various language levels, and a significant prevalence of surzhyk. The language situation in Ukraine is aggravated by the fact that for all 27 years of independence, the political elite has not implemented a purposeful language policy that would strengthen the position of Ukrainian. Discussion. The language policy program offered by L. Masenko includes the following main points: 1) the genuine implementation of the state status of Ukrainian; 2) the development of the Ukrainian-language cultural environment; 3) language awareness and language resistance training; 4) the national elite formation. These and other ideas of L. Masenko have found their legislative embodiment.