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Ukrainians: The Voice of a Community
Winston Lapham and Judy Chan
Neither of us had any knowledge of Ukraine,
its people, or the culture. Entering their community to find out about
their use of language was made harder by this fact. Once there, however,
we were approached by many vendors and local residents who told us their
stories enthusiastically. Their stories revealed to us more than their
native language but also a sense of who they were as a cohesive Ukrainian
community. The community we studied was located around 2nd avenue and 9th
street in Manhattan, New York.
According to the U.S Census Bureau, there
were approximately 11,527 Ukrainians living in New York City in 1990, a
12.2 percent increase from the 10,991 living in the area in 1980. We will
introduce a few members of a particular Ukrainian community to best
represent the larger Ukrainian population of New York City. They are: a
man in his late 50s, employed at the butcher shop, Mr. Surma, the thrift
store owner, a woman in her late 40s, owner of the restaurant, and a
finally, a woman in her mid-60s, a former resident of this community.
CHURCH SERVICES AND ITS ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY
Wonderfully preserved and conveniently
located behind the school, the church signifies its importance within the
Ukrainian community. As a result of speaking with many in the area, we
found that the church holds daily mass, which is mostly given in
Ukrainian. While holding funerals, the church proceeds in both English
and Ukrainian, so as to provide for everyone in attendance. We also found
that the church offers a Saturday day school, promoting the growth of the
Ukrainian language not only within the home but also within the community.
Therefore, the children in the community are learning their native
language. We also encountered an elderly woman, who had attended the
school years ago; she noted that everyday before school at 8 AM, a service
was held in the church, further emphasizing the importance of the church.
UKRANIAN OWNED BUSINESSES
Across the street from the church, there is
a small, Ukrainian-influenced thrift store, owned and operated by a family
of Ukrainian descent. Before entering the store, we noticed that there
were about 5 posters on the window, all in Ukrainian. However, there was
one English announcement taped to the side, urging people to "Save Taras
Shevchenko Place" by writing to the local government. (Cooper Union is
pressing to take the name "Taras Shevchenko Place" off all city maps and
replacing it with Cooper Union building names). This type of announcement
shows the tight connection between the people and their community and the
overall spirit of unity that stems from that connection. The store,
"Surma", sells many items native to the culture that is useful and helpful
to those living in the Ukrainian community. Some of these items include
anniversary and birthday cards, history books, clothing, gifts, and
memorabilia. Thus, those Ukrainians living in the area not only have the
opportunity to remain close to their roots, but they also have the means
to teach their children of their heritage, preserving the language and
their culture. The store also provides the community with over 15
Ukrainian-oriented newspapers and publications, including the "Ukrainian
Quarterly"; however, only one store had such publications in the entire
neighborhood.
We had the opportunity to speak to Mr.
Surma, the owner of the thrift store. The first generation immigrant
kindly described not only his family's immigration from Ukraine but the
immigration of many others as well. Around 1910, his father, an ambitious
man, immigrated to this country along with the first wave of Ukrainian
immigrants in search of opportunity and fortune. As a result, he quickly
enrolled in classes in order to learn the English language. Many other
immigrants, however, did not take such initiative, and they settled into
ghettos, comfortably surrounded by their native language. After World War
II, the second wave of Ukrainians immigrated into this country. These
immigrants, however, were already well - versed in English and rather
successful: members of the Intelligentsia which included doctors, lawyers,
and writers, escaping the perils of Communism. Around the 1970's, the
third and final wave of immigrants came to the U.S. These immigrants, who
are still coming to the United States today, speak both Ukrainian and
English.
Along with the thrift shop, there are also
other establishments owned and operated by Ukrainians, such as
restaurants, bars, and even a butcher shop. The "Ukrainian East Village
Restaurant" however, draws mainly American customers. The owner of the
restaurant lived in the Ukraine; having learned English when she
immigrated, she maintains to speak both English and Polish in her
household. She speaks English very well; however, she retains a very
heavy accent.
Across the street from the restaurant, there is a Ukrainian-owned butcher
shop, the awning reading "Meat Market" and underneath that, "J.
BACZYNSKY". The menu was listed in English only. This shop has been in
the community for over twenty-five years. We were able to speak to a man
that was multi-lingual; he spoke Russian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and
English. He spoke English well, but he also had a strong accent. When
asked what language he spoke at home, he replied proudly that he spoke
English because he had the ability to. However, he tended to speak
Ukrainian at home to his son, a way for him to teach and preserve the
language. He later described his thoughts of America, and his reasoning
for immigrating. He has always been very impressed with this country, and
he reiterated that America was the land of opportunity.
GOVERNMENTAL and LOCAL SERVICES
We asked our Ukrainian friends if they ever
needed help with translations in any situation, whether it be at court,
the hospital, or at the police station. We visited the neighborhood post
office, located at 11th street and 4th Avenue and inquired the service
window whether or not translators were available. The woman replied no,
and that sadly, there are no provisions made for those who do not speak
English. We also found that there were no signs in languages other than
English despite the location of the post office in the densely ethnic
neighborhood. Also, we found out that there are many doctors in the area
who are bilingual in Ukrainian and English and that they are always ready
and willing to help someone who doesn't understand. Also, there are
interpreters at court and at the local police station. When asked about
facilities outside their community, they could not answer because they
have never encountered that necessity. One man, the butcher shop
employee, confirmed the fact that there are many Ukrainian doctors, but
also added the fact the he has never used them because he could speak
English well enough to not use that resource.
UKRANIAN OUTREACH ORGANIZATIONS
By way of speaking with several Ukrainians,
we found that they not only have a strong sense of community, but they
also embrace each other. As a result, there are several
nationality-oriented organizations in the area dedicated to promoting the
success of others, especially new immigrants. As new immigrants arrive in
this country, they are warmly welcomed into the community; there are
several committees that help these new immigrants orient themselves in
such a new environment. Therefore, these committees help with job and
apartment searches, not to mention to creation of social clubs to heighten
their already existing sense of community. There are Ukrainian sports
clubs, musical institutes, and various other meeting places, designed to
promote learning and establish a true community.
One such place, "Dibrova", is an example of
a true "home base" for the Ukrainians living in this area. The same
posters displayed in the window of Surma were present here, however, there
was one addition. One pamphlet describing the Chernobyl Accident was
taped in the center, with both English and Ukrainian summaries. Upon
entering the building, located on 2nd Avenue and 8th street, we met 4
children in the lounge area doing their homework under the supervision of
their grandma. After speaking to one girl, we found out that the building
was more than what it seemed. The second floor served as a music school.
On Saturdays, Ukrainian language classes would also be held. The range
ages of students are from "babies to teens" according to the girl. Also,
adjacent to the Dibrova is a bar "LYS MYKYTA" or "Sly Fox" which is
mostly visited by Ukrainians. We can tell that the Ukrainian community
was extremely tight knit from the proximity of their businesses and
services.
Located on Fourth Avenue and 13th Street,
the "Shevchenko Scientific Society" serves as a learning facility for
Ukrainians. Inside the building is a small library containing books on
the history of Ukraine as well as popular Ukrainian literature. The
director of the Society claims that about 60 percent of the available
books are written in Ukrainian. The Society also contains lecture halls,
an archives section, and an art collection. The hall plays an important
part in fostering the education of Ukrainian culture as it organizes
scholarly conferences, colloquia, symposia, and weekly public lectures.
Along with these community- based organizations, there is also the
Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Inc. The UCCA brings together
approximately 20 Ukrainian organizations and over 75 branches throughout
the United States. These organizations were also developed to help
Ukrainians maintain their sense of identity and to create a voice for the
Ukrainian people.
THE LINGUISTIC SITUATION OF UKRANIAN CHILDREN
As with most cultures, there is a need to
preserve the native language. To teach the next generation the language
that one speaks helps pass along the culture and sense of identity that
comes along with belonging in any ethnic group. Keeping in touch with the
"mother tongue" is important and that is why most Ukrainian parents will
speak in Ukraine with their children at home. After speaking with many of
the locals in the Ukrainian community, we found out that there are not
that many children who are not native speakers of English. Many Ukrainian
children are born here and learn to speak English at an early age, as
their parents and grandparents were the first ones to immigrate to the
United States. Also, learning English is seen as an important step in the
path to success; learning English is not usually associated with
disrespect to Ukraine or the culture.
Most of these children who attend primary
school have a good knowledge of the English language. The people that we
spoke to established the fact that their children spoke English at school
and that they did not really need much extra help. For the new immigrant
children, there are ESL classes offered at the local school and there are
local tutors readily available. Most of these immigrant children speak
Ukraine.
The neighborhood school happens to be a
private school encompassing grades K through 12. The students we spoke to
told us that approximately 60 percent of the school population is
Ukrainian, down from the 100 percent Ukrainian population from years ago.
Also, one boy let us know that "there are a few blacks, Koreans, Chinese,
and Puerto Ricans" that attend the school. When asked what language the
students spoke at school, the boy actually replied, "English only".
Ukrainian was only spoken in Ukrainian language classes amongst the upper
grades. School notices were typed in English, but on the reverse side of
every notice was a Ukrainian translation.
CONCLUSION: PRESERVATION AND EXPANSION
The Ukrainian Museum, located on 2nd Avenue
in New York City, stands as a symbol of the spirit of Ukrainians in the
community as well as across the nation. Founded in 1976, "its purpose is
to preserve, interpret, and present the rich cultural heritage of the
Ukrainian people". The museum also arranges a network of activities
including educational programs, community events, and fund- raisers. The
recent popularity of the museum can only mean a revitalization of interest
in Ukrainian culture: its people, their customs, and their language. With
this, we come away with a clearer sense of what the linguistic situation
is in the community. More importantly, however, is that we come away with
a better understanding of who the Ukrainians are.
