STEREOTYPING OF THE UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE AS A FACTOR OF LINGUISTIC ENVIRONMENT DEFORMATION

Abstract

The article explores the stereotyping of the Ukrainian language as one of the factors contributing to the deformation of the linguistic environment. The relevance of the study stems from the need for a deeper understanding of the phenomena that influence the language behavior of modern Ukrainians, shape their linguistic consciousness, and determine communicative practices. The main focus is on the analysis of widespread stereotypes about the Ukrainian language in mass consciousness, their origins, and their impact on language identity, information and communicative security, and the ecology of the language environment. The article outlines ecolinguistic approaches to studying the linguistic environment, which consider language as an integral part of the information ecosystem of society. The analysis of common stereotypes about the Ukrainian language includes such widespread perceptions as beliefs about the instability of language norms; the conviction that the Ukrainian language has an artificial or mixed origin; prejudices regarding the widespread use of “surzhyk” (mixed language); and everyday myths about the “borrowed” or “simplified” nature of the language. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of a sociolinguistic survey, which confirmed the wide presence of such prejudices among Ukrainians. The study shows that these stereotypes are often reinforced both by historical traumas (colonial past, Russification, language repressions) and by modern ideological narratives aimed at lowering the status of the Ukrainian language. At the same time, everyday communication practices, the lack of systematic language education, and a simplified attitude toward language norms play a significant role in reproducing language stereotypes. The article argues that the stereotyping of the Ukrainian language is one of the factors of information and communicative toxicity, which leads to the distortion of linguistic consciousness, linguistic insecurity, and the devaluation of the Ukrainian language’s prestige in society.This phenomenon is identified as a factor that complicates the formation of a sustainable language environment and requires systematic efforts to overcome it.