OES: Old East Slavic Language Track
What is this track?
The OES (Old East Slavic) track is a specialized linguistic seminar exploring the language of Kyivan Rus' from the 10th to 13th centuries. This isn't just historical grammar — it's linguistic archaeology that reveals how modern Ukrainian evolved from its medieval ancestor.
Why study Old East Slavic?
Decolonization through linguistics
Understanding Old East Slavic allows us to trace Ukrainian's direct lineage from Kyivan Rus'. The unique features of modern Ukrainian — the vocative case, dative endings in -ові/-еві, specific phonetic patterns — were already present in Kyiv a thousand years ago.
- Understand your language deeply: Learn why Ukrainian grammar works the way it does
- Read primary sources: Access chronicles, legal documents, and graffiti in the original
- Challenge historical myths: Disprove the "common cradle" theory with linguistic evidence
- Connect with heritage: Hear the authentic voice of medieval Kyiv
Prerequisites
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| B2+ Level | Strong intermediate Ukrainian proficiency |
| Grammar foundation | Understanding of Ukrainian case system and verb aspects |
| Curiosity | Interest in historical linguistics and primary sources |
Track Structure
Phase 1: Foundations
- Introduction to Old East Slavic
- Phonology and the fall of reduced vowels (ъ, ь)
- Basic morphology and the case system
Phase 2: Reading Sources
- Sofia Kyivska graffiti
- Birch bark letters
- Ruska Pravda (legal code)
Phase 3: Advanced Topics
- Verbal system (aorist, imperfect)
- Dialectal variation
- Church Slavonic vs. vernacular
Unique Activity Types
This track features specialized activities designed for historical linguistics:
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Etymology Trace | Track word evolution from OES to modern Ukrainian |
| Grammar Identify | Analyze morphological forms in historical texts |
| Transcription | Practice reading and writing with historical orthography |
| Paleography Analysis | Study manuscript features and scribal conventions |
| Dialect Comparison | Compare regional linguistic features |
| Translation Critique | Evaluate accuracy of historical translations |
Start Learning
Ready to explore the language of your ancestors?