Rethinking language shifts in Ukraine: methodological challenges in the context of war and displacement

Viktoriya Sereda and Nataliya Tsisar

Post-Soviet Affairs, 2026, vol. 42, issue 2, 150-167

Abstract: The paper revisits the methodological and empirical challenges of studying language shift in Ukraine in the context of war and displacement. Previous research has often overlooked the complex linguistic landscape and evolving realities of Ukrainian society. Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022 has further complicated the situation, triggering mass displacement and increasing the fluidity of the linguistic repertoires. Conventional survey methods face limitations in capturing these dynamics, struggling with sampling representativeness and growing sensitivities to questions of identity and language. We argue for a more nuanced approach that considers the specific experiences of minority groups and the emotional impact on respondents. This emphasizes the need for trauma-informed research strategies. The study highlights the importance of examining language shifts through patterns of language use across different domains and generational changes rather than relying solely on self-reported preferences or simple questions. By adopting a mixed-methods approach and a long-term perspective, researchers can better understand the multidirectional nature of language shifts and the diverse experiences of displaced populations. This study calls for a reconsideration of rigid macro-regional classifications and a greater focus on the fluid linguistic landscape shaped by war and displacement.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1080/1060586X.2026.2613830

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