Episode Three: Words and Warfare

Words – and language in general – are at once a tool in this war, a front in this war, and a barometer for how the war is going. Language can sway hearts and minds, stave off disinformation, and also harm us through propaganda. And if we listen close enough, language can tell us where we are in this war and, perhaps, help us achieve our goals.For this wildly fascinating episode of the Ukrainian Roots Podcast, Sabrina is joined by someone who has dedicated her life to the study of language: Dr. Valentyna Ushchyna, who is a Professor of English Philology at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University of Lutsk, Ukraine. She is a Fulbright Scholar, an author, a public speaker, an educator, and a voice for media literacy, sociolinguistics, and critical thinking. She more than most understands the power of words in this moment. Dr. Ushchyna speaks with Sabrina about the intersection of words and warfare. What can the arena of language tell us about the state of the war? What is derussification, and how can we fold it into our lives? How can we protect ourselves or the non-Ukrainians in our lives from falling prey to Moscovian propaganda? Find this thought-provoking conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on the Ukrainian Roots Podcast site.