Learning Ukrainian through cultural connection

A decade in Ukraine, speaking only English

Patrick has spent ten years traversing Ukraine as a cultural management consultant, coordinating workshops in cities from Kyiv to Odessa and small towns in between. Despite developing deep professional relationships and friendships, he relied entirely on English.

“After ten years,” says Patrick, “I finally thought I should learn the language. It always seemed temporary – but the work kept continuing, the relationships deepened, and suddenly a decade had passed.”

His background working with Ukrainian cultural institutions gave him unique insights into the country’s creative landscape, but he sensed something was missing in his interactions.

Finding motivation through real connections

The turning point came unexpectedly. In November 2021, just three months before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Patrick stood with Ukrainian colleagues at a land art installation near the Russian border. The shared experience crystallised his commitment to learning their language.

Patrick’s approach is practical and determined. He combines formal lessons with his Ukrainian tutor Alexander (whom he describes as “extremely good, very sympathetic, very open and a very interesting person”) with daily Duolingo sessions. Most importantly, he’s begun incorporating Ukrainian into real communications.

“I try to write small emails in Ukrainian now to colleagues. I need help from translation tools, but they respond kindly in Ukrainian, which I can translate back. It creates different levels where I can apply the language.”

A moment of transformation

Though his progress comes in small increments, Patrick experienced a profound moment when he delivered his first public greeting in Ukrainian at a workshop.

Despite hearing his own accent when he listened back to recordings, Patrick recognises that perfect pronunciation isn’t the goal. The genuine attempt to communicate in their language carries meaning beyond words.

Language as cultural insight

Patrick notes that understanding Ukrainian provides deeper insight into the culture itself.

“Some Ukrainian sentence constructions are very direct – simple and to the point with fewer words than in German. But then there are situations where Ukrainians use many more words than we would. This linguistic pattern reflects something cultural about when to be direct and when to be more descriptive.”

Between language lessons and cultural consultancy, Patrick still finds time for family and personal interests. His 15-year-old son plays basketball professionally, which has turned Patrick into both spectator and participant – he plays weekly himself. Art exhibitions and travel round out his free time.

Advice for new language learners

For anyone considering learning Ukrainian, Patrick emphasises the importance of establishing a personal connection to the culture.

“You need some relationship to the country or language – it makes everything easier. If you don’t have that connection, find ways to build one. In Berlin, there are many Ukrainian-run cafés. I’d suggest sitting in that environment, trying to read signs, and building relationships.”

Patrick’s language journey demonstrates that it’s never too late to begin learning, especially when driven by genuine respect and the desire for deeper connection. With each small step, from daily practice to tentative conversations, he builds a stronger bridge to a culture and people he deeply admires.