On 25 October 2024 (the Day of Ukrainian Literacy), SumDU students and staff came together to share the unique atmosphere of unity that has been created by the largest Ukrainian-language flash mob for twenty-five years in a row.
This event has been taking place in the midst of war. It is even more important because it brings together experts and fans of the Ukrainian language worldwide.
The Radio Dictation of National Unity is organized by Ukrainian Radio. The tradition of participating has been supported by the Faculty of Foreign Philology and Social Communication for many years. This year, representatives of all other institutes, faculties and other university departments actively joined.
The event took place in the shelter. Before writing the dictation, the participants had an opportunity to see a book exhibition prepared by the university library, to get acquainted with new works of Ukrainian literature. The event was also decorated with vytynanky by Svitlana BIDNA (member of the Ukrainian National Union of Folk Art Masters, deputy head of the Sumy regional branch). The artist is a participant in regional, national, and international competitions, exhibitions, and projects. She has won 20 grand prix in Ukraine, Japan, France, Germany, Greece, the United States, England, Canada, Italy and Romania.
According to Artem KRYSKO (student dean of the Law Institute), by writing a radio dictation, Ukrainians express their respect for their native language and their desire to preserve its identity, which has become even more important since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. “I do not write dictations very often. The last time I did was probably at school. This is the first time I have written a radio dictation of national unity. It is my fourth year. Such a quest of language tasks is a challenge for me. But it is nice to get together with other students and teachers, to communicate, to exchange views and to support the national tradition,” – said Artem.
Together with SumDU, students of Sumy Lyceum 33 wrote the dictation.
“I have been writing radio dictation since the first grade. It is both a school and family tradition. My mom and I join it every year. This year, I received a good offer to write from SumDU, where we are studying to prepare for the NMT. Writing a dictation is useful for self-development. But, most importantly, this event brings people together,” – said Oleksandra SOLODOVNYK (11th grade student).
A large number of participants wrote the radio dictation online, as representatives of the college in Konotop.
One of locations is Liverpool, which is a twin of Sumy State University. About 10 professors and graduate students wrote a radio dictation there. Among them was Maryna SADIVNYCHA (assistant at the Department of Journalism and Philology).
“I write a radio dictation every year in the classroom together with my colleagues. This year, I was a little upset that I would not be able to join the event because I am far from home. However, representatives of the University of Liverpool helped me to participate online. So, we could fully experience the atmosphere of unity that always accompanies the event,” – noted Maryna.
The author of this year’s dictation, entitled “The Voice Magic,” was Oksana Zabuzhko. Pavlo Vyshebaba read the dictation.
“He read clearly. Some sentences were fast. It was interesting and not difficult. It was the first time I wrote a radio dictation and I regret not doing it before. It is an incredible atmosphere. An exciting introductory part before the radio dictation. This is a really significant event for the university. It awakens a sense of national dignity, something that every true Ukrainian has. We hope and believe that next year we will write the radio dictation of national unity not in a shelter, but in the largest university hall,” – argued Vasyl KARPUSHA (SumDU rector).
Tetiana MAIBORODA (deputy head of the SumDU International Cooperation Department) is convinced that participation reflects the unity of the Ukrainian people and love for the native language. It unites all Ukrainians on the path of reviving spirituality and strengthening statehood.
“Together with my son, I have been writing the Radio Dictation of National Unity for 10 years. This event gives me the language importance understanding for myself, for my child, for Sumy region, for Ukraine. Language matters. And such a large number of participants today makes it possible to feel the unique synergy of unity around our native, uniquely beautiful Ukrainian language,” – shared Ms. Tetyana her emotions about the event.
Participants (those who did not send their results to specialists for verification) will be able to check the written text on 28 October at 11:00. The dictation text will be published on the websites of Ukrainske Radio and Suspilne Kultura.