THE MAGAZINE “PLASTUN” AS A FACTOR IN THE FORMATION OF LANGUAGE AWARENESS AMONG YOUTH IN THE SUBCARPATHIAN RUS

Abstract

Based on a content analysis of the magazine “Plastun” (1923–1935), the article examines the evolution of this publication as a factor in forming the language awareness of Plast youth in Subcarpathian Rus. The methodological basis of the study is P. Selihei’s typology, which distinguishes initial, middle, and high levels of language awareness. It was found that during the initial stage, the publication was dominated by a pragmatic approach (at the initial and middle levels of language awareness), with the primary requirements being communicative accessibility and the clarity of texts for young people. However, even then, the programmatic publications of S. Cherkasenko laid the foundation for a transition to higher levels of awareness by proposing a view of language as a factor in the formation of a nationally mature personality. At the turn of the 1920s and 1930s, the publication recorded a distinct strengthening of Narodovtsi orientations and calls for the nationalization of the Plast movement. The appearance of the first texts printed in phonetic orthography (contributions by V. Yosypchuk, M. Vaida, etc.), despite the official retention of the etymological system, signaled a conscious reorientation of the youth toward the pan-Ukrainian cultural space. The final stage of the magazine's publication was marked by a high level of linguistic awareness. The complete transition to phonetic orthography, publications regarding the culture of speech, and an emphasis on the “native-language duties” of a scout (plastun) reinforced the status of the Ukrainian language as the supreme national value. Materials focused on nurturing the purity of the language evidenced the formation of a mature position: a sense of patriotism combined with personal responsibility for the fate of the native word. It is noted that the magazine served as an expression of group language awareness while simultaneously contributing to its elevation. The evolution of the publication reflected a shift from a utilitarian view of language to its recognition as a nation-building instrument, contributing to the affirmation of Ukrainian identity in the region.