For parents who have moved to Edmonton from Ukraine, one of their biggest concerns is how their children will retain their native language. When sending their children to Canadian schools, where English is the language of instruction, parents often worry that their children will gradually forget Ukrainian, that they will grow up without a deep understanding of their culture and heritage, and that the connection between the child and their parents and grandparents in their home country will weaken due to language barriers.
Fortunately, Edmonton, as a multicultural city with a large Ukrainian community, offers several programs and initiatives designed to support Ukrainian language learning in children. In addition to public programs in schools, the city also has a developed network of private schools and community organizations that offer Ukrainian language classes.
In this comprehensive article, we will take a detailed look at all the options available to parents who want to support their children's Ukrainian language skills while living in Edmonton. We will discuss programs in public schools, private heritage language schools, programs through community organizations, and how parents can support their children's heritage language at home.
Types of Heritage Language Support Programs in the Education System
Understanding the Terms “Heritage Language” and “Heritage Language”
Before looking at specific programs, it is important to understand the terms used to describe language support programs. When we talk about “heritage language,” we mean the language spoken at home and which is the cultural heritage of the family. For children of Ukrainian parents, the heritage language is Ukrainian.
The term “heritage language” differs from the term “second language.” A “second language” is a language that is learned in school and is not spoken at home. For children of Ukrainian parents in Canada, English is a second language.
In the Canadian education system, mother tongue programs are designed for students who have a linguistic background from one of the recognized groups of materials. In Alberta, the province recognizes several mother tongues, including Chinese, French (in provinces where it is not an official language), German, Italian, Japanese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and others. For Russian and Ukrainian, programs are often combined or offered separately, depending on demand and available resources at a particular school.
Recognition of official languages in the province of Alberta
It is important to note that not all official languages have the same level of support in schools. Some official languages, such as French, have widespread support across the province and are offered in many schools. Other official languages, such as Ukrainian, have limited support.
The province of Alberta recognizes Ukrainian as a minority language, and there is an official curriculum for Ukrainian in schools. However, this does not mean that every school offers a Ukrainian language program. In fact, Ukrainian language programs are only available in some schools in the city, especially in schools located in areas of the city where more Ukrainians live.
Mother tongue programs in Edmonton public schools
Edmonton Public Schools and mother tongue programs
The Edmonton Public Schools Board (EPSB) is the largest school board in Edmonton, and it offers mother tongue programs in some of its schools.
The EPSB system has a list of recognized Ukrainian language programs, including Ukrainian. However, it is important to understand that Ukrainian language programs in the EPSB are not mandatory components of all schools. Instead, they are offered in specific schools, often in schools located in areas of the city where there is a higher concentration of people who speak the language.
To find out if a school near you offers a Ukrainian language program, you need to contact the school directly or the EPSB head office. They can provide information on which schools offer Ukrainian language programs and how to enroll your child.
How Ukrainian language programs work in EPSB schools
Ukrainian language programs in EPSB public schools typically work as follows. Students who enroll in a Ukrainian language program have several hours of Ukrainian language instruction per week, often ranging from one to three hours per week, depending on the school and grade level. These lessons are often held in a separate classroom, outside of the regular school schedule.
In Ukrainian language classes, students learn to read, write, speak, and listen to the language. Lessons often include grammar, vocabulary building, and learning about the culture of the country where the language is spoken. In addition to this, students often have the opportunity to read children's literature in the language, listen to music, watch films, and participate in other activities related to the language and culture.
It is important to note that Vasyl language programs in public schools are designed for students who already have some level of proficiency in the language at home. The programs are often not designed to teach the language from scratch, but rather to deepen and expand the language skills that the student has already developed at home.
In addition to Vasyl language classes, students often have the opportunity to participate in other language and culture-related activities, such as celebrating cultural holidays, participating in cultural events, or reading books in the language.
Learning and assessment requirements in Vasyl language programs
Curriculum and assessment requirements in Vasyl language programs may vary depending on the school and province. In some cases, the Vasyl language program is considered an elective and does not affect the student's overall grade. In other cases, the Vasyl language program is considered a regular subject and affects the student's overall grade.
In Alberta, Ukrainian language programs often have a standardized curriculum developed by the provincial Department of Education. Based on this curriculum, students are assessed on their understanding and proficiency in the language. Assessment typically includes written tests, oral tests, and evaluation of classwork and participation.
Edmonton schools that offer Ukrainian language programs
In Edmonton, several public schools in the EPSB system offer Ukrainian language programs. However, the list of schools may change from year to year, depending on demand and available resources.
Some schools that have traditionally offered Ukrainian language programs include elementary schools located in the northwest part of Edmonton, where a significant Ukrainian community has historically resided. However, in recent years, the number of schools offering Ukrainian language programs has decreased as the provincial Department of Education has cut funding for Ukrainian language programs.
For current information on which schools offer Ukrainian language programs, the best way is to contact the EPSB head office or a career development advisor at your local school.
Edmonton Catholic Schools and Ukrainian Language Programs
The Edmonton Catholic Schools District (ECSD), the second largest school board in Edmonton, also offers Ukrainian language programs in some of its schools. However, as with the EPSB, Ukrainian language programs are not available in all schools, but only in schools with sufficient demand.
For information about Vasyl language programs in Catholic schools, you will need to contact the Catholic school board directly.
Private Vasyl Language Schools in Edmonton
The role of private schools in preserving the Vasil language
In addition to public Vasil language programs, Edmonton also has several private schools designed specifically to teach Vasil languages to children in their communities. These private schools are often called “heritage language schools” or “heritage cultural schools.”
Private heritage language schools play a very important role in preserving heritage languages in newcomer communities. Many private heritage language schools are designed not only to teach the language, but also to teach children about their parents' culture, history, traditions, and values.
Ukrainian private schools in Edmonton
There are several private Ukrainian schools in Edmonton designed to teach Ukrainian language and culture to children of Ukrainian descent.
One of the oldest and most well-known Ukrainian private schools in Edmonton is the Ukrainian Canadian Youth Association (UCYA) School. This school has been around for many years and offers Ukrainian language classes for children of different ages and language proficiency levels. The school is located in Edmonton and offers classes at different times to be convenient for families.
Another important Ukrainian private school in Edmonton is St. Josaphat's Ukrainian Catholic School. This school combines Ukrainian education with Catholic education and administration, and it offers a program that includes Ukrainian language, Ukrainian culture, religious education, and other subjects.
In addition to these main schools, there are also several smaller private classes and groups in Edmonton that offer Ukrainian language lessons. These groups often meet in churches, community centers, or the homes of private teachers.
How private Ukrainian schools function
Private Ukrainian schools in Edmonton function differently depending on the specific school. Some schools operate as full-functioning schools, where children are taught all subjects in Ukrainian, in addition to English and mathematics. Other schools operate as complementary schools or part-time schools, where children are taught Ukrainian language and culture for a few hours a week, often on weekends or in the evenings.
Most private Ukrainian schools in Edmonton operate as complementary schools. This means that children continue to attend regular public or Catholic schools, where they are taught in English, and they attend a private Ukrainian school on weekends or in the evenings to learn Ukrainian language and culture.
The schedule of private Ukrainian schools is often designed to be convenient for families. For example, many schools offer classes on Saturday mornings, from 10 a.m. to noon. Some schools also offer classes on Sundays or in the evenings on weekdays.
Cost of private Ukrainian schools
The cost of private Ukrainian schools can vary depending on the specific school. Some schools offer programs at a very low cost, often designed to help low-income families preserve the Ukrainian language. Other schools may charge a higher cost.
The typical cost for a private Ukrainian school in Edmonton can range from fifty to several hundred dollars per month, depending on the school and the intensity of the program. Some schools also offer discounts for families with multiple children.
It is important to note that the cost of private school is not covered by the government, as is the case with public schools. This means that parents must pay out of pocket. However, some community organizations may offer grants or subsidies for low-income families who want to enroll their children in a private Ukrainian school.
Programs through community organizations
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN)
The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN), an organization we discussed earlier in the context of English language support and assistance for newcomers, also offers some language support programs.
Although EMCN primarily focuses on helping newcomers adapt to Canada and learn English, the organization also understands the importance of preserving one's language and culture. EMCN often organizes cultural events and programs that help communities preserve their language and culture.
In addition to formal Ukrainian language programs, EMCN often facilitates contacts between parents and community organizations that offer Ukrainian language programs. EMCN staff can advise parents about private Ukrainian schools in the city and how to enroll their children.
Ukrainian Churches and Community Centers
There are several Ukrainian churches and community centers in Edmonton that offer Ukrainian language programs for children. These organizations often view the preservation of the Ukrainian language as an important part of their mission, and they provide resources to support language education.
For example, St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church offers Ukrainian language and culture programs for children. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Resurrection also offers programs. In addition, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Edmonton branch, often organizes cultural events and programs that include Ukrainian language components.
These programs are often designed for children of different age groups and language proficiency levels. They are often run on a volunteer basis, and parents are often asked to volunteer to help.
Edmonton Public Library and Ukrainian Language Programs
The Edmonton Public Library, as discussed earlier, is an important resource for many educational needs. In addition to English language programs, the public library also provides resources for Ukrainian.
The library has collections of books, films, and other materials in Ukrainian and many other languages. Parents can borrow these materials for free and use them to teach their children at home.
In addition to materials, the public library also sometimes organizes programs for Ukrainian communities, such as storytelling in Ukrainian, conversation clubs for Ukrainian languages, and cultural events celebrating Ukrainian culture.
Internet Programs and Online Resources
In addition to in-person programs, there are also many online resources and programs designed to teach Ukrainian languages to children. These resources can be used at home and are often free or inexpensive.
For example, there are online private tutors who can conduct one-on-one Ukrainian language lessons via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms. There are also online courses designed for children of different age groups and language proficiency levels. In addition, there are many free resources, such as YouTube channels with Ukrainian children's shows, mobile phone apps for learning Ukrainian, and websites with Ukrainian children's stories.
How parents can support Ukrainian at home
Speaking Ukrainian with your child
The most important way parents can support their child's Ukrainian language is by speaking Ukrainian with their child at home. This means that parents should speak Ukrainian with their child at home, even if the child responds in English.
Research shows that children whose parents speak to them in Ukrainian at home have a significantly higher level of proficiency in Ukrainian than children whose parents speak to them only in the majority language (English). This is true regardless of whether the child responds to their parents in Ukrainian or English—simply being exposed to Ukrainian on a regular basis makes a big difference.
Parents often worry that speaking Ukrainian with their child will slow down their child's development of English. However, research consistently shows that this is not the case. In fact, children who grow up in a bilingual environment develop both languages normally, and they benefit from being able to communicate in two languages.
Reading in Ukrainian
Another important way to support Ukrainian is to read to your child in Ukrainian. Parents can read Ukrainian children's books, picture books, comics, and other reading materials to their children.
Children do not need to understand every word in a book to benefit from reading. The child will learn from listening to the Ukrainian language, from seeing the pictures in the book, and from interacting with their parents during reading.
Parents can find Ukrainian children's books at public libraries, private Ukrainian bookstores, online through websites such as Amazon or other online bookstores, and through private Ukrainian schools.
Watching cartoons and movies in Ukrainian
Another way to expose your child to the Ukrainian language is to watch cartoons, movies, and television programs in Ukrainian. Your child will learn from listening to the Ukrainian language and from understanding the story of the movie or program.
There are many Ukrainian children's programs and cartoons available for free or at low cost on YouTube and other streaming services. Parents can allow their child to watch some of these programs for a few minutes a day as a good way to learn the Ukrainian language.
Listening to music in Ukrainian
Another way to expose your child to Ukrainian is by listening to music in Ukrainian. Your child will learn from listening to Ukrainian in songs, and music often makes learning a language more enjoyable.
Parents can find Ukrainian children's songs on YouTube, Spotify, and other music streaming services. Parents can play these songs in the car, at home, or during activities with their child.
Participating in conversation clubs and community events
Another way to support the Ukrainian language is to participate in conversation clubs and community events where the child can interact with other children who speak Ukrainian and with adults who speak Ukrainian.
EMCN and other organizations often organize conversation clubs for children, where children are allowed to play together and speak Vasil. In addition to conversation clubs, many community organizations organize cultural events such as cultural celebrations, parties, sports competitions, and other events where your child can interact with other children and adults in Vasil.
Invite grandparents and extended family members to interact
If your child has grandparents or other extended family members who speak only or primarily Vasil, talking to these people via video chat or phone can be a great way for your child to practice Vasil and stay in touch with family.
Parents can regularly arrange video calls with family members in their home country, during which the child can speak with them in Vasil. This gives the child an opportunity to practice the language and also helps the child stay close to family members with whom they cannot be in person due to time and distance.
Planning trips to the home country
If financially possible, trips to the home country can be very valuable for preserving the native language and culture. When a child spends time in an environment where the native language is spoken everywhere, they have plenty of time to practice the language and immerse themselves in the native culture.
Parents can plan an annual or biennial pilgrimage to their home country, if possible. During these trips, the child can communicate with their grandparents, other family members, and their community.
Common challenges in preserving the Vasyl language and how to overcome them
Child's resistance to the Vasyl language
One of the most common challenges in preserving the Vasyl language is the child's resistance to learning or using the Vasyl language. The child may want to speak only English because it is the language of school and the language of their peers. The child may feel that the Vasyl language is not important, or that they are more interested in English.
To overcome this challenge, parents should explain to their child the importance of the Vasyl language and culture. Parents should explain to their child that their native language is part of who they are and that being able to speak their native language will allow them to communicate with family members, understand their roots, and have access to the rich culture of their heritage.
In addition, parents should tell their child how valuable their native language is in the job market. A child who speaks two languages often has a competitive advantage in the job market, and knowledge of the Vasyl language can open up job opportunities.
Most importantly, parents should make learning and using the Vasyl language enjoyable and interesting. If a child associates the Vasyl language with pressure and conflict, they will be less motivated to learn the language. On the other hand, if a child associates the Ukrainian language with positive experiences, such as exciting stories, interesting cartoons, and communicating with their beloved grandmother, they will be more motivated to learn the language.
Language mixing and code-switching
Another challenge in preserving the Ukrainian language is language mixing, where a child mixes Ukrainian and English in the same story. A child may start a conversation in Ukrainian but then switch to English when they don't know a word in Ukrainian. Or a child may insert English words into their Ukrainian speech.
This phenomenon is called “code-switching” and is natural in bilingual children. It does not mean that the child is not learning Ukrainian well. In fact, code-switching indicates that the child has a developed level of proficiency in both languages and understands when to use each language.
Parents should not be concerned about code-switching. Instead of criticizing the child for mixing languages, parents can simply provide the child with the correct word in Ukrainian and continue the conversation. Over time, the child will develop a clearer distinction between the two languages.
Limited resources at school
Another challenge in preserving the Ukrainian language is the fact that Ukrainian language programs in public schools are limited and not offered in all schools. In addition, the number of Ukrainian language hours offered in schools is often small — often only one or two hours per week.
To overcome this challenge, parents must supplement the school with additional learning at home and through private programs. Regularly reading to the child in the Vasil language at home, speaking in the Vasil language, and participating in private Vasil schools can greatly supplement what the child learns in school.
Cost of private Ukrainian programs
Another challenge for some families is the cost of private Ukrainian programs. Although private Ukrainian schools are often designed to be affordable, the cost can still be a problem for low-income families.
To overcome this challenge, parents can look for alternatives such as conversation clubs, which are often free, online programs, which are often cheaper than in-person programs, and public library resources. In addition, some private teachers offer discounts for group lessons, so parents can team up with other parents to share the cost of a teacher.
Latest trends in supporting the Vasyl language in Edmonton
Increased recognition of the importance of bilingualism
In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the importance of bilingualism and multilingualism in Canada and Edmonton. Research consistently shows that bilingual children have cognitive advantages, including better problem-solving skills, greater flexibility in thinking, and a greater ability to adapt to new situations.
In addition, employers increasingly value candidates who speak two or more languages. In the context of globalization and a multicultural labor market, the ability to communicate in two languages is a highly valued skill.
This increased recognition of bilingualism has led to some increase in support for bilingual programs in schools, although support is still far from what is needed.
Expansion of online bilingual programs
Another emerging trend is the expansion of online Vasyl language programs. The coronavirus pandemic has pushed schools and programs to move online, and many programs have found that online learning can be very effective.
In addition, the expansion of internet access and the development of new technologies have made online programs more accessible and convenient for families. Now parents can enroll their children in Vasyl language classes with teachers from other cities or even other countries without having to leave home.
Integration of Vasyl language into STEM education
Another new trend is the integration of Vasyl language into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Schools and programs are developing courses where children are taught STEM subjects through the Ukrainian language, allowing children to develop both language and STEM skills at the same time.
This is a very valuable development because it allows parents and children to see that the Ukrainian language can be useful in today's technological world, not just in a cultural or historical context.
Recommendations for parents of newcomers from Ukraine
Research available programs
First and foremost, parents of newcomers from Ukraine should research the Ukrainian language programs available in their area of Edmonton. Parents should contact their local school and the EPSB or ECSD to find out if Ukrainian language programs are available.
Parents should also explore private Ukrainian language schools and other programs in the community. The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers and other newcomer organizations often have information about available Ukrainian language programs.
Start early at home
Parents should start speaking Ukrainian with their child at home as early as possible. Ideally, parents should start before their child enters a Canadian school. This early exposure to the Ukrainian language during the preschool years establishes a strong foundation for further language development.
Otherwise, if the child is already in school, parents should not wait—they should start speaking Ukrainian at home immediately.
Be consistent and patient
Parents should be consistent in speaking Vasyl. This means speaking Vasyl even if the child responds in English. It means speaking Vasyl during meals, during walks, during games—at every opportunity.
Parents must also be patient. Language development takes time, and a child will not develop full language competence in a few months. Parents should expect this to be a long-term process that continues throughout the child's school years.
Set a positive example
Parents should set a positive example with regard to the native language. If parents value the native language, speak it with pride, and use it regularly, the child will value the native language and be motivated to learn it.
On the other hand, if parents view the Vasyl language as unimportant, or if parents switch to English when talking to their child, the child will get the message that the Vasyl language is not important and will be less motivated to learn the language.
Invite extended family members into the process
Parents should invite extended family members, such as grandparents living in Ukraine, to be part of the process of supporting the Ukrainian language. Regular video calls and conversations with family members will give the child an opportunity to practice the Ukrainian language and also help the child stay close to family members.
Conclusion
Although Vasyl language programs in Edmonton public schools are limited, there is a developed network of programs and resources available to parents who want to support their children's Vasyl language. From private Vasyl schools to community organization programs, from public library resources to online programs, parents have several options for exposing their children to the Vasyl language.
However, the most important resource remains the home. Parents who speak to their children in Vasil, read to them in Vasil, and set a positive example for the Vasil language are instrumental in preserving their children's Vasil language skills.
With dedication and patience, parents can help their children grow up to be strong, bilingual individuals with a deep understanding of their culture and heritage. This wealth of bilingualism and bicultural identity will serve children well in their lives in Canada and beyond.