On October 28, the first language inspectors will start working in Ivano-Frankivsk, who have volunteered to help residents and immigrants switch to the Ukrainian language. During a meeting with volunteer language inspectors, Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv emphasized the importance of preserving the Ukrainian identity and language, addressing those who still communicate in Russian: "If you still do not understand why you have not switched to Ukrainian and are communicating in the language of the enemy, be aware! Our language volunteers already know what to do!"
According to Marcinkiv, 40 residents of the city became volunteers, one third of whom are internally displaced persons. The mayor noted that among the volunteers there are many young people who are actively involved in the initiative: "I expected that it would be mostly older people, but there are a lot of young progressive people."
Language inspectors, unlike strict supervisors, will not punish for using Russian. They will offer an alternative, popularize free Ukrainian language courses, distribute leaflets, and participate in cultural and educational events. A series of events are planned for the winter period for residents and immigrants, including literary meetings, performances and thematic lectures.
Marcinkiv's initiative is part of the overall strategy to make Ivano-Frankivsk a fully Ukrainian-speaking city. The mayor also reminded that there are no more Moscow churches in the city, and invited everyone to join the free courses that will help to better master the Ukrainian language.
