Correct Ukrainian Names for Mushrooms: Avoiding Surzhyk and Preserving Language Culture
Since the outbreak of the large-scale Russian aggression, many Ukrainians have consciously chosen to switch to using exclusively Ukrainian, aiming to strengthen their identity and support national culture.
However, in everyday communication, language mistakes sometimes occur, especially concerning the names of mushrooms and the use of surzhyk — a mixed speech.
Words like ‘маслята’ (butter mushrooms) and ‘опята’ (hive mushrooms) are often heard, which are incorrect from a linguistic perspective.
It is essential to know the proper Ukrainian names and not confuse them with Russian equivalents.
For example, what is called ‘белый гриб’ (white mushroom) in Russian should be called ‘білий гриб’ or ‘боровик’ in Ukrainian.
Similarly, ‘підберезовик’ (birch boletus), ‘підосичник’ (aspen mushroom), ‘козарик’ (goat mushroom), ‘красноголовець’ (red-headed mushroom), or ‘осик’ (aspen) are the Ukrainian terms.
For mushrooms like ‘маслята,’ the correct Ukrainian term is ‘маслюки.’ Other mushrooms include ‘сироїжка’ (milk cap), ‘опеньки’ (hive mushrooms), ‘їжовик’ (hedgehog mushroom), ‘дощовик’ (puffball), ‘шампіньйон’ (champignon), as well as regional dialect words like ‘глива,’ ‘гриб-парасолька’ (parasol mushroom), ‘зморшок,’ or ‘сморш.’ It is important to understand that transitioning to pure Ukrainian is a process requiring awareness, effort, and perseverance.
Proper use of Ukrainian linguistic standards helps preserve cultural identity amid societal challenges.
Many Ukrainians already employ various strategies or ‘life hacks’ to avoid surzhyk and improve their language skills.
Sociological studies show that amidst political and social complexities, more Ukrainians are choosing to speak Ukrainian consciously, symbolizing their resistance and commitment to independence.
For more insights on how Ukrainians are overcoming language barriers — read the article by journalist from Kherson, Volodymyr Shishkov, ‘Transitional Age of Language’ on ZN.UA.