Linguistics and Languages

The Russian war in Ukraine increased Ukrainian language use on social media

D. Racek, B. I. Davidson, et al.

This research, conducted by Daniel Racek, Brittany I. Davidson, Paul W. Thurner, Xiao Xiang Zhu, and Göran Kauermann, explores the significant shift in the language choices of Ukrainian citizens on social media before and during the war in Ukraine. With over 4 million tweets analyzed, the study reveals a dramatic move towards a more Ukrainian online identity amidst the conflict.

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Abstract

This study examines the language choices of Ukrainian citizens on social media before and during the Russian war in Ukraine. Using over 4 million geo-tagged tweets from over 62,000 users between January 2020 and October 2022, statistical models disentangle sample effects (user in- and outflux) from behavioral effects (changes in user behavior). A steady pre-war shift from Russian to Ukrainian language use is observed, drastically accelerating with the war's outbreak. The study attributes these shifts largely to behavioral changes, with over half of Russian-tweeting users switching to Ukrainian. This is interpreted as a conscious choice towards a more Ukrainian online identity.

Publisher

Communications Psychology

Published On

Jan 10, 2024

Authors

Daniel Racek, Brittany I. Davidson, Paul W. Thurner, Xiao Xiang Zhu, Göran Kauermann

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