TEKA Komisji Polsko-Ukraińskich Związków Kulturowych

Stanisław Vincenz’s Letters to Father Bronisław Kreuza

Karolina Wojciechowska — 2024-12-30

The work is an attempt to edit the letters of Stanisław Vincenz to priest Bronisław Kreuza (Tadeusz Rzewuski). The epistolographic material was prepared on the basis of the collection of the Manuscript Department of the Ossoliński National Institute in Wrocław. The letters were preceded by an editorial note and provided with explanations. The edition complements the theoretical study on correspondents and their relationships [Wojciechowska, K. (2022). Correspondence of Stanisław Vincenz to priest Bronisław Kreuza. TEKA of the Commission of Polish-Ukrainian Cultural Unions, 6 (17)].

Orientalism in Russian Literature as a Marker of Imperial Mentality

Yurii Kovbasenko — 2024-12-30

The article is devoted to the study of Orientalism in Russian (Muscovite) literature and the identifying of effective ways to counteract the Kremlin's use of literature and culture as an ideological weapon (weaponization) for the colonization of other nations. Also, the author's task was to find effective ways to deconstruct the old models of research and/or teaching of Muscovite literature and culture by Russians (Slavists) around the world and to develop new ones. The main strategies of promoting Orientalism, which embodies the Muscovite imperial view of the East as “inferior,” “childish”, “wild” and “sluggish” and in need of imperial control, were traced and examined in this article. It was concluded that, regardless of the strategy of presenting Orientalist aspects in literary works (whether as direct imperial bullying or as a “compassionate” liberal discourse), Muscovite writers have always been and remain “troubadours of the Empire” (Ewa Thompson).

The dystopian dimension of Artem Chapai’s work (based on the novels Chervona zona and Ponayikhaly)

Ryszard Kupidura — 2024-12-30

This text is an attempt to interpret the novels Chervona zona (2014) and Ponayikhaly (2015) by Artem Chapai as an update of the dystopian genre. In the case of the first title, we can speak of a classic dystopia, containing a number of features typical of similar texts, such as the existence of worlds isolated by a wall, the presence of a hero bearing the characteristics of the “last man”, or the resistance of the oppressed. Ponayikhaly is interpreted as a migration dystopia constituting the writer's critical commentary on both the phenomenon of mass labour migration in Ukraine and private utopias based on the illusion of the possibility of achieving a happy future at the cost of a seemingly temporary loosening of ties with loved ones.

The cultural identity of Crimea according to the novel "За Перекопом є земля" by Anastasiia Levkova

Jadwiga Krajewska — 2024-12-30

Referring to the observations from the field of memory studies the paper demonstrates and analyses how the reflection on the identity of Crimea was presented in Anastasija Levkova's novel За Перекопом є земля. The narrative, the structure of characters and plot, as well as the use of elements of non-literary reality as a material for a fictional story are indicated. It was observed that the example of the main character, brought up in the Soviet cultural and historical memory, but consciously choosing Ukrainian identity, is intended to influence the recipient and strengthen his sense of belonging to Ukrainian culture.

Impact of Russian Aggression in the Revival of Historical Memory and the Rethinking of the Past in Ukrainian Identity

Oksana Jaszan — 2024-12-30

The full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, has become a total attack on Ukrainian identity. The annihilation of Ukrainian statehood, culture, language, and ultimately, the very Ukrainian people as a nation, is the true goal of this brutal aggression. The war has caused deep fractures in Ukrainian society, stimulating the process of consolidation and self-awareness. It has forced Ukrainians to take a new look at their past, critically evaluate the Soviet legacy, and revive interest in national heroes, language, and cultural heritage. Ukrainians are striving to shed the consequences of years of Russification and turn to their authentic roots, values, and worldview to strengthen their national identity. The war in Ukraine is not just a battle for territory, but a battle for identity.

Popularisation of Ukrainian Literature in Poland on the Example of the Project “Ukraine in the Face of War”

Myroslava Rudyk — 2024-12-30

The article examines how Ukrainian literature from the period of the 2022 Russian-Ukrainian war has been popularized, using the example of the Ukrainian Poetry Library project "Ukraine in the Face of War." The study identifies the role that this type of literary work plays and considers whether it should be classified as high poetry. The activities of the "Pogranicze" Foundation in promoting contemporary Ukrainian literature through the translation and publication of four poetry collection series, each containing 10 books by individual authors, have been examined. Unfortunately, the books by Maksym Kryvtsov and Viktoria Amelina were published posthumously. It is also shown that the popularization of Ukrainian literature is taking place through author meetings, book presentations, participation in literary contests and festivals, and the creation of a shared cultural space between Polish and Ukrainian writers. Examples of individual authors' texts that demonstrate new trends in poetry creation are also provided. It is shown that war-period literature is not only a documentation of the tragic events of our time but also a broad cultural backdrop that fosters unity around important humanitarian issues facing humanity.

The Political and Cultural Paradigm of the Polish-Ukrainian Discourse in the Content of the “Ukrinform” News Agency

Lubov Vasylyk — 2024-12-30

Unfortunately, the political and cultural paradigm of the Polish-Ukrainian discourse in media content has been poorly studied and has attracted the attention of only a few scholars, mostly political scientists, and less often media researchers. Given the proximity of the countries and the close relations between them, this topic needs to be studied more thoroughly, which would help in the mutual dialogue between the two cultures. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to analyse the political and cultural paradigm of Polish-Ukrainian discourse in the content of the “Ukrinform” news agency. We chose the most prominent state news agency in Ukraine, which has been operating since 1918 and shapes the image of countries and personalities for millions of Ukrainian readers. The monitoring method covered Ukrinform’s news content from the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine to the present day. The article analyses the thematic spectrum of publications on relations between Ukraine and Poland, identifies the angles of perception of the neighbouring country, processes and reactions to them, and studies the perception of the country through well-known figures, institutions, and opinion leaders. The analysis of how “Ukrinform” positions the image of Poland in Ukraine confirms the objectivity of the media resource. The two countries are emerging as allies in a difficult security period for both, despite the controversial issues of the past. But discussing them in the media becomes a way to overcome historical prejudices and stereotypes, improve relationships and find compromises.

“Bukowińska Gazeta Polska” (1921) in the Context of the Multinational Cultural Movement in Bukovina

Yuliia Melnychuk — 2024-12-30

The article presents a general description of the Chernivtsi newspaper «Bukowinska Gazeta Polska» (1921), which positioned itself as the organ of the independent Polish people in Greater Romania. The analysis was carried out in the context of the socio-political development in Bukovina at the first half of the 20th century and the contemporary political, cultural, educational and religious situation of the Polish community in the region. The theoretical basis regarding the Polish question in Bukovina is characterized. The structure and subject matter of the newspaper have been elaborated. All materials were analyzed in detail and classified into four groups: political issues, educational issues for the Polish population in Bukovina, religious issues, news from Poland and the world, and local Chernivtsi news.

The Field of Identity and Vincenzian Transgressions

Jan Andrzej Choroszy — 2024-12-30

The issue of Stanisław Vincenz’s (1888–1971) identity was addressed by historian Andrzej Z. Zięba, who concluded from his analysis of the cycle On the High Uplands that Vincenz’s identity was unequivocally Polish. According to Zięba, other ethnic traditions (Hutsul and Hasidic) should be regarded as enriching threads within the heritage of the old Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth that Vincenz embraced. This article proposes a broader perspective, encompassing not only Połonina, whose plot concludes in 1887, but also documents from Vincenz’s personal life that reveal the evolution of his attitudes in response to contemporary historical events. Based on less familiar or unpublished egodocuments reflecting Vincenz’s views on Jewry and Polish anti-Semitism, it can be argued that Vincenz did not align with a xenophobic and aggressive form of Polishness. Instead, he integrated ethnically diverse elements into his own identity, transcending state, cultural, and political boundaries.

Concepts of Identity Among Female Students in Early 20th Century in Ukraine: a Discourse on Autobiographical Narratives

Oksana Drach — 2024-12-30

The socio-cultural transformations of the modern era have highlighted the importance of studying ego-documents. This study aims to explore the identities of female students representing the ethno-confessional diversity of Ukraine, based on their autobiographies. Narrative analysis methods were employed. The framework of the autobiographical narrative was shaped by the meaning-making factor, namely the intent to obtain higher education. The authors' identities internalize the mediated experiences of family and interpersonal relationships, as well as social interactions within the educational environment of imperial institutions, where the socialization of the daughters of the “Others” (Jews, Poles, Ukrainians) occurred within the framework of the Russian cultural paradigm.

The Socio-Cultural Space of Occupied Kyiv in September-December 1941 Through the Prism of the “Ukrainian Word” Magazine

Oksana Salata — 2024-12-30

The article is devoted to the analysis of publications and reports on the social and cultural development of the city under the German occupation in September-December 1941 in the journal “Ukrainian Word”. To analyse the materials published during the four months, the author used the method of content analysis and methods of visual anthropology, which allowed to study and comprehend the visual image of occupied Kyiv. After analysing the materials of the magazine, testimonies, and memoirs of Kyiv residents, it was concluded that with the beginning of the occupation of the city, the German administration enabled the local authorities to partially restore social and cultural life in the capital. The solution of social problems was entirely entrusted to the Kyiv City Administration, which retained full control over the cultural life and education of the city’s residents.

Ivan Franko's Autopatography: "Історія моєї хвороби"

Marta Zambrzycka — 2024-12-30

In the article I analyze Ivan Franko's autobiographical text Історія моєї хвороби, the manuscript of which dates back to 1908 and is in the archives of the Institute of Literature. Taras Shevchenko State Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. It was first published by Jarosława Melnyk in 1998 in the Paradigma magazine. In this article I will refer to three of the many letters of Ivan Franko, published together with the manuscript text by Jarosława Melnyk. The aim of the article is to analyze the most important threads of Ivan Franko's autopathography, which include: physical and mental suffering, a sense of helplessness and loss of control over life, as well as attempts to rebuild identity through intellectual work

Józef Łobodowski’s Translations from Russian Literature: Literary and Cultural Aspects. Theory and Practice

Anna Woźniak — 2024-12-30

This article examines Józef Łobodowski’s translations of Russian literature into Polish, encompassing both poetry and prose. This study situates the topic within several factors that shaped the Polish poet's interest in Russian literature, including Łobodowski’s stay in Russia during the revolution and his profound knowledge of the Russian language and literature. The poet's translations into Polish are analysed from a theoretical perspective, with reference to his 1959 essay Strapienia tłumacza, in which he outlined the key determinants of his translation strategy, particularly regarding poetry. Łobodowski’s translation technique is exemplified through an analysis of his translation of the poem Wesele (from the cycle of poems included in Boris Pasternak’s novel Doctor Zhivago). The analysis of Łobodowski’s prose translations focuses on two short stories by Aleksei Remizov from the novel The Teacher of Music, translated upon the request of the Parisian journal “Kultura”.

Images of “Zirka” and “Zoria” in Olga Yavorska’s Poetry (on the Material of the Book „Through the Windows of Sadness. Poetry”)

Lesława Korenowska — 2024-12-30

The author tries to compare images of „zirka” (star) and „zoria” (star) in Olga Yavorska’s last poetry book “Through the windows of sadness. Poetry”. These two astronomical objects carry a different emotional and psychological load. The poetess interprets them as her attorneys in matters of the soul, looks for them in the sky to get energy and answers to painful questions. The „zoria” and the „zirka” are often presented in a sacred dimension. The poetess uses anthropomorphism regarding celestial objects: they are endowed with human features. Falling in love with „zoria” or „zirka” confirms the poetess’ sensitivity to beauty, her desire to transform the pallor and poerty of earthly life into beauty and joy. The reference of the poetess - the earthly makes sense only when its ideal continuation is assumed - goes beyond the framework of the real, symbolic, fantasy.