Ukrainian Refugee Families Navigating Language Shift in Germany.

This article examines how the Russian war of aggression has influenced language attitudes and family language policies (FLP) among Ukrainian refugee families in Germany, focusing on the ongoing shift from Russian to Ukrainian. Based on qualitative interviews with 24 Ukrainian mothers who fled with their children, the study highlights that language shift is a complex, gradual process shaped by sociopolitical factors, family dynamics, educational contexts, identity, and emotions both in Ukraine and in the multilingual, superdiverse environment of Germany. Findings reveal that while Ukrainian use is increasing as a marker of identity and social cohesion, practical challenges arise due to limited Ukrainian-speaking communities and resources abroad, making language maintenance and shift multifaceted and context-dependent. The research underscores the importance of educational programs, community support, and online resources in sustaining Ukrainian language use among refugee families in Germany.