Grytsiak D. Political and legal basis of language policy in Ukraine

Political and legal principles of language policy in Ukraine as at the present stage and in the context of their historical development are analyzed. The subject of research is revealed in two aspects: language policy and language legislation, which, despite the close relationship, are considered separately. The author discusses issues such as social division on linguistic grounds, the opposition of major language groups of the country - Ukrainian and Russian. Language policy research in foreign countries - conditions of formation and effective implementation of various types of state language policy. Nature and features of the language policy, the measures of the government in linguistic relations, achievements and shortcomings in this area are analyzed. High degree of politicization, declarative regulatory language policy and incorrect implementation of international legal norms into national legislation are marked.