The standardization of Modern Ukrainian (1909-1929).

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to define and describe that period in the development of Modern Standard Ukrainian which represents the culmination of the standardization process and which constitutes the basis for all subsequent development of the language. The methodology consists of the description and analysis of linguistic works which were crucial to the development of Modern Standard Ukrainian. Borys Hrinchenko's Ukrainian-Russian dictionary (1907-1909) was a work which surpassed all earlier attempts at linguistic description of Modern Ukrainian in both depth and precision, and therefore represents the beginning of the standardization process. The standardization of Modern Ukrainian is considered to have been basically completed with the conference on Ukrainian orthography which took place in Kharkiv in 1927, the results of which were signed into law in 1928 and published in 1929. Some rather controversial changes of an entirely prescriptive nature were made in the early 1930's, but these were, for the most part, simplifications or modifications of the standard established in 1929. The year 1929 therefore marks the end of the basic standardization process. Linguistic works, including orthographies, grammars, dictionaries, and journal and newspaper articles dealing with language, are described and analyzed, and their contribution to the standardization process is assessed. Social, political, and cultural factors and development of the language in literature are dealt with only marginally where these had a direct effect on the standardization process. From this a general picture of the standardization of Modern Ukrainian emerges. In addition to providing a general description of developments taking place during the period of standardization, the nature and underlying character of the language are examined to reveal that the most significant factor contributing to the development of Modern Standard Ukrainian was the dynamics between eastern and western Ukrainian dialects.