According to the language learning app Duolingo, since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, users have been learning Ukrainian at the highest rate ever. The number of people learning Ukrainian has increased by 485 per cent. The Ukrainian language has improved its position in Canadian society as well.

In this episode of "Community Hour", Yuliia Kobalensky talks with Anna Verbytska. She is a Ukrainian linguist, teacher, and Ukrainian Lesson Founder.

Keep watching the interview if you have ever been tempted to learn Ukrainian because, by the end, Anna will convince you that Ukrainian is an excellent pick for your next language.

Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre, Oseredok, has programs for improving your Ukrainian speaking skills. These were taught by Anna Verbytska, a member of Winnipeg’s Ukrainian community. Anna studied theatre and film at the University of Winnipeg, and graduated from the University of Ivan Franko with a degree in Journalism. She taught two previous Ukrainian Language Courses at Oseredok. Anna speaks over five languages, including Ukrainian, Spanish, Polish, German, and Russian, and is learning Japanese and Hindi.
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This series of classes is divided into three Ukrainian Language Levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate. The last one was designed for our Intermediate Course graduates and those who can speak and want to upgrade their Ukrainian speaking skills. 

This course aims to give you as many opportunities to speak as possible and express what you want using the words you already know.

Canada has a large population with Ukrainian roots. Many people became very inspired to learn Ukrainian because of what is happening, which pushed them to learn. The main reason why many of them want to learn Ukrainian is that they still have relatives in Ukraine and want to talk to them in Ukrainian language. Because they feel their national identity and attitude, they want to be connected to that. 

Even though a few students don’t have Ukrainian roots, they still want to speak Ukrainian to help Ukrainian Newcomers and to be able to communicate with them.