RUTH: Ruthenian Language Track
What is this track?
The RUTH (Ruthenian) track explores Middle Ukrainian from the 14th to 18th centuries — the linguistic bridge between Old East Slavic and modern Ukrainian. This was the era of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Cossack Hetmanate.
Why study Ruthenian?
A language of power and identity
Ruthenian was an official language of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and remained vital for legal, religious, and literary purposes. Understanding this period reveals how Ukrainian maintained its distinct identity despite political pressures.
- Read Cossack chronicles: Access the Samovydets Chronicle, Velychko Chronicle in the original
- Understand legal heritage: Study the Lithuanian Statutes written in Ruthenian
- Explore religious debates: Read polemical literature defending Orthodoxy
- Bridge the linguistic gap: Connect Old East Slavic to modern Ukrainian
Prerequisites
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| B2+ Level | Strong intermediate Ukrainian proficiency |
| Recommended: OES Track | Understanding of Old East Slavic foundations |
| Historical interest | Curiosity about the Cossack era and religious history |
Track Structure
Phase 1: Foundations
- Introduction to Ruthenian / Prosta Mova
- Phonological changes from OES
- Polish and Latin influences on vocabulary
Phase 2: Document Literacy
- Lithuanian Statutes
- Hetmanate chancellery documents
- Cossack correspondence
Phase 3: Literary Texts
- Religious polemics (Ivan Vyshensky, Meletiy Smotrytsky)
- Cossack chronicles
- Early secular poetry
Phase 4: Transition to Modern Ukrainian
- Kotlyarevsky and the literary revival
- Regional variation in the 18th century
- Emergence of modern standard
Unique Activity Types
This track features specialized activities for historical document analysis:
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Document Analysis | Study administrative and legal texts |
| Paleography Analysis | Read original manuscript hands |
| Translation Critique | Evaluate historical translations |
| Dialect Comparison | Compare regional varieties |
| Etymology Trace | Track vocabulary changes |
| Register Analysis | Distinguish formal vs. vernacular styles |
Start Learning
Ready to explore the language of Cossack chronicles and legal codes?