The English language is about to undergo a significant upgrade in Ukraine, as the Verkhovna Rada has approved a bill that grants it the status of one of the languages of international communication in public spheres. Find out more about the important changes that will occur in various aspects of society

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The Verkhovna Rada has approved draft law No. 9432, which grants English the status of one of the languages of international communication in public spheres of life. 

The article below explains what citizens can expect and what the new status of English in Ukraine entails.

English will become the official language of international communication in Ukraine: details

According to the document, English will be introduced on a mandatory basis for some civil servants, military, customs officers, and emergency services. 

In addition, English will be actively introduced in educational institutions, cultural and artistic institutions, the medical field, and other public spheres of life.

Who will need compulsory English in Ukraine?

In general, the new draft law defines eight categories of civil servants who must be proficient in English:

• Civil servants of categories A, B and C, heads of local administrations, their first deputies and deputies.

• Military officers serving under contract.

• Prosecutors, mid-level and senior police officers of the National Police who hold managerial positions in other law enforcement agencies and civil defense services.

• Tax and customs officers.

• Managers of public sector entities.

In local governments, English will also become mandatory for positions involving international cooperation (except for elected positions).

Civil servants of categories A, B and C who have at least a B2 level of English will receive a bonus of 10% of their monthly salary.

However, during the period of mobilization, state of emergency or martial law, the military will be exempt from language tests. 

Thus, the requirement to know English for civil servants of category A, heads of local state administrations and their deputies will come into force 2 years after the termination of martial law, and for other officials - 4 years later.

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How will the level of English be tested in Ukraine?

Currently, there is a mandatory NMT and DPA in English in Ukraine, which determine the level of English of pupils and students. 

For government positions, the level of English will be determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

For military personnel - according to the NATO STANAG 6001 standard.

All of these exams are free of charge and regulated by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. However, unlike the NMT, which is held once a year, civil servants can take the English language proficiency exam an unlimited number of times, but no more than once every 4 months.

In addition, confirmation of the level of English proficiency at the international level can be obtained through paid exams IELTS, TOEFL and DELE. 

These tests can be taken by persons who do not fall into the categories for free exams.

Use of English in education 

The government will promote the study of English in kindergartens, schools and universities. However, in most educational institutions, English is already compulsory. 

The changes will affect the educational process only for children of early, junior and middle preschool age in kindergartens. Previously, learning English in kindergartens was optional and was conducted in different sections or at additional classes. Now children will learn English alongside Ukrainian.

Significant changes are expected in the cultural sector. After the law is signed by the president, posters, announcements and other materials related to cultural events in cultural institutions will be presented in English along with Ukrainian.

In addition, the government does not reject the idea of showing English films in their original language with Ukrainian subtitles in cinemas.

We remind you! Earlier we wrote that the Ukrainian government is trying to actively promote the English language in Ukraine. Find out how many Ukrainians don't know any foreign languages and how many are fluent in English.

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