Yiddish Including – Ukraine Starts Developing Strategy for Preserving and Developing Endangered Languages

In Ukraine, work has begun on developing a strategy for the preservation and development of languages at risk of extinction. One such language is Yiddish, which holds immense significance for the Jewish community in Ukraine and worldwide.

This is reported by The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS).

Which languages are at risk of extinction?

The key task of the strategy, as noted by the DESS team, is to develop effective operational plans for each of the nine languages included in the official list of languages at risk of extinction, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The Crimean Tatar language was excluded from this strategy because a separate development strategy for it is already being prepared for 2022-2032.

As part of the strategy for preserving languages at risk of extinction in Ukraine, the following languages are included in the list:

• Yiddish — the language of the Jewish community of Ukraine, which has a centuries-long history in this territory.
• Karaites — the language of the Karaites, an ethnic group with a long history in Ukraine, which has its own religious and cultural features.
• Crymachaks — the language of the Krymchaks, an indigenous people of Crimea, who have long been at risk of extinction.
• Gagauz — the language of the Gagauz, an ethnic group residing in Ukraine and other countries, including Moldova.
• Romani — the language of the Roma people, an ethnic group spread across Ukraine and Europe, with several dialects.
• Belarusian — the language of the Belarusians, an ethnic group with a significant presence in Ukraine, especially in some regions.
• Urum — the language of the Urums, an ethnic group in southern Ukraine, which has its own historical and cultural traditions.
• Rumei — the language of the Rumei people, an ethnic group residing in the Odessa region and other parts of Ukraine.

These languages play an important role in the cultural and historical life of national minorities in Ukraine. The preservation of these languages is becoming an urgent task in the process of developing the strategy.

The Role of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience

The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) plays a central role in developing the language preservation strategy. This service is the main governmental body dealing with issues of ethnopolitics, languages, and religious freedoms. It actively coordinates all initiatives aimed at preserving the languages of national minorities.

DESS has organized the creation of a working group that will study each language, including Yiddish, and develop specific actions for their preservation. This work includes:

• Developing scientific recommendations.
• Preparing educational programs.
• Supporting cultural and linguistic initiatives.
• Creating legislation aimed at protecting minority languages and ensuring their use in daily life.

DESS works closely with experts, linguists, scholars, and community organizations representing the speakers of these languages to ensure the most effective support.

What Happened: The Start of the Strategy Work

In April 2025, work began on the Strategy for the Preservation and Development of Languages at risk of extinction.

The first meeting of the working group involved representatives of DESS, the Council of Europe, public organizations, scholars, and language speakers. At the meeting, it was decided that each language would have its own subgroup that would work on its preservation, considering its unique features, level of use, and cultural value.

The participants discussed the importance of creating operational plans for each language, taking into account the historical context, demographic trends, and the current needs of language speakers.

This strategy aims to become not just a formal document, but a powerful tool for actively preserving and deeply rethinking the rich linguistic heritage of Ukraine as an integral part of its cultural diversity. It is expected that in the near future, the newly created subgroups will begin intensive work on specific sections of the future strategy. The ambitious goal is to prepare the draft of this document by the end of the summer of this year.

The History of Yiddish in Ukraine

Yiddish is not only a language but also an essential part of the cultural identity of Ukraine’s Jewish community. This language has a centuries-long history, dating back to the time when Jews settled on the territory of Ukraine. It became the primary language of communication in Jewish communities in Ukraine, including cities like Kyiv, Odessa, and Lviv, where there was a large Jewish population.

With the arrival of Soviet power and during World War II, the use of Yiddish declined, but the language continued to be preserved within Jewish communities. In recent decades, its usage has decreased due to assimilation and the shift to other languages, particularly Russian and Ukrainian.

Nevertheless, Yiddish continues to remain an important element of Jewish identity, and its preservation is crucial not only for Ukraine but for the entire Jewish people. Today, there are active programs and projects aimed at reviving Yiddish, including cultural events, educational courses, and media platforms.

Conclusions: Why It’s Important to Preserve Yiddish and Other Languages

Preserving Yiddish and other minority languages of Ukraine is an important step in strengthening the country’s cultural diversity. Minority languages are not only a means of communication but also play a key role in preserving the historical and cultural memory of these peoples.

The development of a strategy for preserving these languages underscores the importance of multilingualism for Ukraine as a cultural center capable of maintaining and developing its ethnic and cultural features. It is vital for Ukraine to actively support and develop languages such as Yiddish to strengthen its cultural heritage and foster further cooperation with the global Jewish community, including Israel.

НАновости – News from Israel will continue to follow this process and inform its readers about news in this area.