Official Clarification on Language Standards
The National Commission for State Language Standards has issued a clarification stating that the current Ukrainian orthography does not mandate the compulsory use of feminine-gender nouns for professions and titles. This explanation was provided following the formal approval of the orthography as the state language standard, a process enabled by the implementation of a resolution passed by Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada on January 15, 2026. The adoption of a single official orthographic text has established the normative foundation for applying state language standards in official communications.
The Commission confirmed that not using such feminine forms does not constitute a violation of state language standards. It emphasized that
"The Ukrainian orthography does not require the obligatory formation of nouns to denote female persons. Section 4 of paragraph 32 of the Ukrainian orthography merely provides a list of suffixes that can be used to form such nouns,"stated Yuliia Chernobrov.
Document Structure and Orthographic Updates
The text of the document was prepared by a specially convened working group, established by a Commission decision on April 3, 2025. The working group included scholars from:
- The O. O. Potebnia Institute of Linguistics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,
- The Institute of the Ukrainian Language of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,
- The Ukrainian Language Information Fund of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine,
- Professors from Dnipro National University named after Oles Honchar,
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and
- I. I. Mechnikov National University of Odesa.
The approval of the unified orthographic text also involved clarifying the document's structure and correcting technical and editorial inaccuracies. Examples containing references to the aggressor state were removed, indicating an adaptation of the orthography to contemporary circumstances. The Verkhovna Rada had previously adopted a resolution to strengthen the role of the Ukrainian language, which includes updating the orthography and introducing a new national typeface.
These orthographic changes are significant for the development of the Ukrainian language in official institutions and society at large. Debates over feminine forms, like 'director' versus 'directress,' reflect broader discussions on language and identity in modern Ukraine. On one hand, they provide more freedom in choosing linguistic forms, reflecting the diversity of contemporary Ukrainian. On the other hand, they also meet the need to adapt the language to new realities and challenges facing the country. Supporting a language policy based on modern standards is crucial for preserving Ukraine's cultural identity.