Ukrainian MP from Volyn made a request to usage Ukrainian names of Polish cities, presenting it as restoring Ukrainian presence in the world. specified an initiative is not innocent language play. It touches the symbolic sovereignty of Poland and requires a calm, unambiguous reaction of the state.
Postulates on Polish cities
According to information published by the advanced Time portal, the Ukrainian MP from Volyn wants to disseminate Ukrainian names of Polish cities. The politician was to specify this initiative as restoring Ukrainian presence in the world. The available origin material does not supply a detailed list of names or formal mode of implementation of the post, so it should not be added to the scope that has not been confirmed.
However, the direction of speech itself is politically clear. Geographical names describing localities in the territory of the Republic of Poland must not become a tool for building another people's symbolic claims. Languages have their own exonymies and this is normal. What is different is their average usage and what is different is the programme presented as the recovery of presence in respect of cities of another country.
Borders of respect and Good Neighborhood
Poland has an interest in the existence of independent Ukraine capable of opposing Russian imperialism. This business hates the rule of reciprocity. Warsaw should support Kiev where it serves the safety of the Republic and at the same time respond to actions undermining Polish memory, naming or subjectivity.
The worst answer would be to pretend that symbolism doesn't matter. Ma. It is through language, maps, names and school textbooks of the state that form the thought of past and boundaries of the community. Polish diplomacy should establish the precise nature of the initiative and make it clear that cooperation does not give anyone the right to conduct a symbolic policy at the expense of Poland.
Polish subjectivity without hostility
A firm reaction does not mean aversion to the Ukrainians. The criticism concerns the postulate of politics and its consequences, not people due to nationality. specified a difference is essential both for the fact and for the seriousness of the Polish state.
The right of Poles to name their own space and defend its meanings is at stake. A good vicinity starts with respect to existing boundaries, names and memory of the another side. Without this, any assurance of partnership will stay weaker than a provocative gesture.
Source: High Time!
