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Valentyna Nechyporuk

This course consists of 7 lessons where you learn how to read in Ukrainian. After each lesson there is a Grammar or Vocabulary section that you can easily skip when you do the course for the first time. These Grammar and Vocabulary sections are independent, extra parts for those who are super curious and want to know more, but really, you can do them when you repeat the course. There is a phrase in Russian saying that repetition is the mother of learning. So I do recommend you to repeat this course, and for the second time do the vocabulary and grammar sections.In the grammar lessons you learn about noun genders in Ukrainian. All the nouns in Ukrainian can be female, male or neuter depending on the ending of the word. You'll also learn how to make plurals in Ukrainian. In the vocabulary lessons you'll learn pronouns, some useful phrases like greetings, numbers from 0 to 1000 and you'll learn the European countries with their capitals for those who are into Geography.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn the alphabet and how to read in ukrainian.
  • You will learn how to make plurals in ukrainian.
  • You will learn numbers from 0 to 1000.

Syllabus

Введение

INTRODUCTION:
Hello! My name is Valentyna. I am a language enthusiast. I know Ukrainian, Russian, English, Spanish, Italian and I am studying Chinese. I've been teaching Ukrainian and Russian to foreigners for more than 10 years. I can certainty say that Ukrainian is not the easiest language to learn. But what, at first glance, seems difficult to you is super simple, I am speaking about the Cyrillic alphabet. You can learn how to read in Ukrainian on your own. There is nothing difficult about it. I invite you to take this course so you can check/prove it to yourself. This course consists of 7 lessons with Grammar and lexical spots. During the course you won't just learn the Ukrainian alphabet and how to read it, you will also learn how to make plurals in Ukrainian. As a bonus you also receive 2 topics: numbers from 0 to 1000 and European countries with their capitals. I hope you will like this course and you will continue purchasing our content and all my dreams will come true.

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In this lesson you'll find out that there are 3 noun genders in Ukrainian.
If the word ends in a consonant letter, it is usually MALE (кіт, сік).
If the word ends in a 'A' letter, it is usually FEMALE (сумка, тітка).
If the word ends in a 'O/E' letters, it is usually NEUTER (око - an eye, місто - a city).

In this lesson we learn vowels А, О, У, Е, И, І and consonants К, Т, М, С.
We read some words with these letters and learn some words, like:

кіт (a cat) - коти (cats)
тут (here) - там (there)
так (yes)
тітка (an aunt) - тітки (aunts)
сумка (a bag) - сумки (bags)
сік (juice) - соки (juices)
кістка (bone) - кістки (bones)

In this lesson you'll learn consonants Б, Г, Д, Х.
We read some words with these letters and learn some words, like:

дім (home, a house)
Бог (God)
гід (a guide)
діти (children)
гості (guests)
багато (a lot of)
хотіти (to want)
могти (to can)

In this lesson you'll learn how to make plurals in Ukrainian.

for male nouns you need to add ending 'И' (кит - кити)
for female nouns you need to change 'A' ending for ending 'И' (сумка - сумки)

Usually with one-syllable male nouns containing 'I' we change 'I' to 'O' to make the plural form (кіт - коти)

In this lesson you'll learn consonants Н, Р, П, Л.
We read some words with these letters and recommend you to learn some words, like:

ні (no)
не (not)
нога (a leg)
рука (a hand, an arm)
рік (a year)
грам (a gramm)
будинок (a house, a building)
бар (a bar)
парк (a park)
година (an hour)
бути (to be)

In this lesson while reading and learning new useful words of Ukrainian cuisine you also go over the grammar (noun gender).

суп -  soup
котлета - cutlet
сир - cheese
рис - rise
риба - fish
сосиска - sausage
салат - salat
огірок - cucumber
томат - tomato
авокадо - avocado
капуста - cabbage
кріп - dill
селера - celery
редис - radish
десерт - dessert
торт - cake
мед - honey
молоко - milk

In this lesson you'll learn new vowels Я, Є, Ї, Ю.
We read some words with these letters and recommend you to learn some words, like:

дякую - I thank you
дякуємо - we thank you
їсти - to eat
гантеля - a dumbbell
листя - leaves
яблуко - an apple

You'll also get familiar with some Ukrainian names, like:
Boy names: Борис - Боря, Микола - Коля, Юра, Констянтин - Костя, Богдан - Бодя,
Girl names:  Юлія - Юля, Раїса, Оля, Анастасія - Настя, Таїса

In this lesson you'll learn pronouns:

Я - I
ти - you
він - he
вона - she
ми - we
ви - you
вони - they

In this lesson you'll learn next consonants В, Ф, З, Ж.
We read some words with these letters and recommend you to learn some words, like:

важливо - (it's) important
зло - evil
пожежа - fire
земля - land
влада - power
фреш - fresh juice
фото - photo
зонтик - an umbrella
жінка - a woman

We summer up all the grammar we have learnt in this course adding few things.

3 noun genders in Ukrainian:

If the word ends in a consonant letter, it is usually MALE (кіт, сік).
If the word ends in a 'A/Я' letter, it is usually FEMALE (сумка, тітка).
If the word ends in a 'O/E' letters, it is usually NEUTER (око - an eye, місто - a city).



To make plurals in Ukrainian we change or add the ending:

for male nouns you need to add ending 'И' (банан - банани)

for female nouns you need to change:
'A' ending for 'И' (слива - сливи) 
'Я'
ending for 'І' (диня - дині)
'ІЯ' ending for 'ІЇ' (магнолія - магнолії)

for neuter nouns you need to change
'O' ending for 'A' (яблуко - яблука) 
'Е' ending for 'Я' (море - моря)

Don't forget that with one-syllable male nouns containing 'I' we change 'I' to 'O' to make the plural form (кіт - коти)

In this lesson you'll learn next consonants Ц, Ч, Ш, Щ, Ґ, Й, Ь, ' (апостроф)
We read some words with these letters and recommend you to learn some words, like:

цуценя - puppy
цемент - cement
центр - center
час - time
часто - often
чому - why
щастя - happiness
ґудзик - button
кінь - horse
м'ясо - meat

In this lesson you'll learn some useful words:

привіт - hi
добрий ранок - good morning
добрий день - good day
добрий вечір - good night
пока - bye
допобачення - good bye
дякую - I thank you
будь ласка - please, you are welcome

In this course we read all the letters the way we read them in the alphabet.
We also read some words and we try to read a text in Ukrainian :)


Here you have two bonus lessons. If you want to continue practicing your reading we recommend you to do them :)

In this lesson you'll learn the numbers in Ukrainian, from 0 to 1000.

In this lesson we read the names of the countries in Europe and their capitals.

Here we read some sentences like

1. Fish is salty, spicy and expensive. - Риба солона, гостра і дорога.
2. Fish is not salty, not spicy and not expensive. - Риба несолона, негостра і недорога.

3. Matte is sweet, bitter and expensive. - Мате солодке, гірке і дороге.
4. Matte is sweet, bitter and expensive.  - Мате несолодке, негірке і недороге.

5. Bananas are sweet, expensive and healthy. - Банани солодкі, дорогі і корисні.
6. Bananas are not sweet, not expensive and not healthy. - Банани несолодкі, недорогі і некорисні.

7. Limns are sour, expensive but healthy. - Лимони кислі і дорогі, але корисні.
8. Limns are not sour, not expensive and healthy. - Лимони некислі і недорогі і корисні.

9. Peaches and apricots are sweet and not expensive. - Персики і абрикоси солодкі  і недорогі.
10. Pineapples and pomegranates are expensive and healthy. - Ананаси і гранати дорогі і корисні.

Here we read some sentences like

1. We are sitting in the field - Ми сидимо на полі.
2. We are never sitting in the field in the afternoon - Ми ніколи не сидимо на полі пообіді.
3. We are sitting in the armchair. - Ми сидимо на кріслі.

Here we read some sentences like

1. My mom in the morning drinks black tea - Моя мама вранці пʼє чорний чай.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on the Cyrillic alphabet and basic reading skills, which provides a solid foundation for learners with no prior experience in Ukrainian
Includes grammar and vocabulary sections that can be skipped initially, which allows learners to focus on reading and revisit grammar later
Covers European countries and their capitals, which may be useful for those interested in travel or geography
Teaches noun genders and pluralization, which are fundamental aspects of Ukrainian grammar and essential for building a basic understanding
Recommends repeating the course and doing the vocabulary and grammar sections the second time, which may require additional time and effort
Requires learners to learn the alphabet and how to read in Ukrainian, which may be challenging for some learners

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Reviews summary

Ukrainian reading and basics

According to the course description, learners can expect to quickly learn the Ukrainian Cyrillic alphabet and focus on reading. The course introduces basic grammar concepts like noun genders and plurals, alongside useful starting vocabulary and phrases. While the structure allows optional grammar/vocabulary sections for later review, the content is explicitly basic and primarily focuses on reading the script rather than developing speaking or listening skills. The instructor is presented as having significant teaching experience, though the introduction includes a somewhat promotional tone about purchasing more content. This course seems best suited for those needing to quickly gain basic reading literacy in Ukrainian.
Instructor mentions buying more content.
"The intro felt like it was leading into selling more courses."
"Mentioning her 'dreams' based on purchases was a bit off-putting."
"It encourages buying more content after this one."
Grammar/vocab sections can be skipped.
"Being able to skip grammar and come back later is flexible."
"I might prefer grammar woven into the main lessons."
"The course suggests doing these sections on a second pass."
Content is very basic, lacks depth.
"This is definitely only for someone with zero background."
"Key grammar like cases isn't covered at all."
"It's a very brief introduction to the language."
Taught for over 10 years.
"The instructor mentions having taught for over 10 years."
"It's reassuring to have an experienced teacher."
"Her background in multiple languages seems relevant."
Introduced useful basic words and phrases.
"The vocabulary lists included useful words like greetings."
"Basic words for food and places are included."
"I appreciated learning the pronouns early."
Covers noun genders and plurals.
"Learning about noun genders and plurals was explained well."
"The grammar rules for plurals were easy to follow."
"It gave a good base on key grammar points."
Learn to read Ukrainian quickly.
"I felt I could learn to read the alphabet fast."
"The lessons on letters and sounds are clear."
"Starting with reading was a great approach."
Course is mainly focused on reading.
"It's very much focused on reading the text."
"I didn't find much practice for speaking or listening."
"This seems best if you only need to learn the script."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ukrainian language (for beginners) with these activities:
Review Cyrillic Alphabet
Reinforce your knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet to improve reading speed and comprehension.
Show steps
  • Review the shapes and sounds of each letter.
  • Practice writing each letter by hand.
  • Read simple words and phrases aloud.
Ukrainian Language for Beginners
Use a textbook to supplement the course material and provide additional exercises.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the textbook.
  • Work through the chapters that align with the course syllabus.
  • Complete the exercises in the workbook.
Vocabulary Flashcards
Memorize key vocabulary words to improve comprehension and fluency.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards for new vocabulary words learned in each lesson.
  • Review the flashcards regularly, focusing on words you find difficult.
  • Use the words in sentences to practice usage.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write Simple Sentences
Practice forming simple sentences to solidify your understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic from the course material.
  • Write 5-10 simple sentences about the topic in Ukrainian.
  • Check your sentences for grammatical errors.
Colloquial Ukrainian
Expand your knowledge of conversational Ukrainian to improve your ability to communicate in real-world situations.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Work through the dialogues and exercises.
  • Practice speaking the dialogues with a partner.
Translate English Phrases
Translate English phrases into Ukrainian to improve your understanding of grammar and vocabulary.
Show steps
  • Find a list of common English phrases.
  • Translate each phrase into Ukrainian.
  • Check your translations for accuracy.
Language Exchange Partner
Practice speaking Ukrainian with a native speaker to improve your pronunciation and fluency.
Show steps
  • Find a language exchange partner who is a native Ukrainian speaker.
  • Meet with your partner regularly to practice speaking Ukrainian.
  • Offer to help your partner learn English in return.

Career center

Learners who complete Ukrainian language (for beginners) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
A translator converts written text from one language to another, and this course helps build a foundation for this career by providing basic Ukrainian reading skills. Translators need a solid understanding of the grammar and vocabulary of both the source and target languages, and a course like this may help you begin to build that foundation in Ukrainian. This course introduces noun genders, pluralization, and basic vocabulary, all of which are essential for accurate translation. It may also be useful for understanding the nuances of the Ukrainian language, thus aiding in producing effective and culturally sensitive translations, especially when working with documents or literature.
Language Teacher
A language teacher instructs students in the nuances of a particular language; and this course may be useful for a future language teacher by providing a foundational understanding of Ukrainian. While this course is designed for beginners, its structure, covering grammar and vocabulary, may provide insights into how to teach a new language effectively. By learning how to read in Ukrainian, including how to form plurals and understand noun genders, a language teacher gains practical experience with the same process that they may teach to their future students. The lessons on vocabulary, from greetings to numbers to European countries, also provide a useful curriculum framework for future teachers.
Content Creator
A content creator develops material for educational or entertainment purposes, and this course may be useful for a content creator focused on Ukrainian language education. This course provides a beginning example of a structured lesson plan for learning Ukrainian, including how to introduce reading, grammar, and vocabulary. If the content creator is focused on teaching Ukrainian, lessons on noun genders and plurals may be helpful in their work. The example of the course's vocabulary modules, such as greetings and numbers, also provide ideas for future content. While this course is for beginners, it does present a framework for language learning that may be useful.
Interpreter
An interpreter converts spoken language from one language to another, and this course may be useful for a future interpreter by providing a basic understanding of Ukrainian. While this course focuses on reading rather than speaking or listening, the foundational understanding of Ukrainian vocabulary such as greetings, numbers, and country names, may prove helpful for an aspiring interpreter. This course may help with familiarity with the Ukrainian language which is useful for interpretation work. An interpreter needs to understand the nuances of a language, and this course, by introducing noun genders and pluralization, can be useful in this process.
Linguist
A linguist studies language and its structure, and this course may be useful for a linguist with an interest in the Ukrainian language. Although this course is geared for beginners, its introduction to Ukrainian grammar, including noun genders and plural formations, may provide a foundational understanding that could prove useful. Linguists often analyze the basic elements of a language, and this course provides useful insights into the structure of Ukrainian. The inclusion of vocabulary, from numbers to everyday words, offers a glimpse into the lexicon of the language, which is a critical area of study for a linguist.
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts content for a specific region or market, and this course may be useful by providing a basic understanding of the Ukrainian language. This course may help a localization specialist who wishes to work with Ukrainian markets by introducing them to reading and basic grammar. Localization requires a sensitivity to language particularities, and the lessons on pluralization and noun genders may build a foundation. Exposure to basic Ukrainian vocabulary may prove useful for adapting content to resonate with Ukrainian speakers. Familiarity with the Ukrainian writing system may also be useful for managing localized content.
Cultural Liaison
A cultural liaison bridges gaps between different cultures, and this course may be useful if one plans to liaise with Ukrainian people. This course may help develop a basic understanding of the Ukrainian language. The course introduces reading, grammar related to gendered nouns and pluralization, as well as basic vocabulary. This familiarity may increase a cultural liaison's effectiveness when working with Ukrainian communities. The vocabulary lessons, covering greetings and numbers, may also facilitate basic communication and build rapport.
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad, and this course may be useful for a foreign service officer who desires to work with Ukrainian speakers. This course provides a foundation in the basics of the Ukrainian language including reading, grammar, and vocabulary. The course may help develop a very basic understanding that may be useful for a person working in Ukraine. While this course will not make one proficient in the language, the basic vocabulary, such as greetings and numbers, could help initiate communication and foster relationships in professional settings. Understanding noun genders and plurals also allows the development of more nuanced communication.
International Aid Worker
An international aid worker provides assistance in areas of need, and this course may be useful for one who wishes to work with Ukrainian people. This course will not make one fluent in the language, but it may provide a very basic familiarity with Ukrainian. The course introduces how to read the language, and offers basic vocabulary and grammar instruction. This may allow the aid worker to build trust and improve communication with project stakeholders in the field. A beginning understanding of Ukrainian grammar and vocabulary, especially greetings, may help foster a supportive and collaborative environment.
Immigration Officer
An immigration officer processes applications for entry and residence, and this course may be useful for a officer who works with Ukrainian speakers. While this course does not emphasize conversational Ukrainian, it does introduce reading and grammar. An officer might encounter written Ukrainian in applications, and this course can help them gain a basic familiarity with that. This course introduces basic vocabulary such as numbers and greetings, which may prove useful. It also covers noun genders, which may be helpful to decipher certain document types.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative assists customers with their inquiries, and this course may be useful if the representative needs to engage with Ukrainian speakers. While this course does not emphasize conversational skills, the introduction to basic vocabulary such as greetings and numbers can be helpful. If the representative must read Ukrainian documents, the lessons on reading, noun genders and pluralization may also prove useful. This course may help an individual build confidence when engaging with the Ukrainian community.
Market Researcher
A market researcher analyzes consumer behavior, and this course may be useful for researchers working within the Ukrainian market. This course teaches one how to read in Ukrainian, as well as basic vocabulary and grammar, which may be useful when accessing Ukrainian-language resources in the field. While this course does not teach full fluency, the foundational understanding of Ukrainian may help a researcher interpret basic market data and customer information. Lessons on noun genders and pluralization may also be helpful in dealing with written content.
Archivist
An archivist manages and preserves historical records, and this course may be useful for an archivist dealing with Ukrainian documents. This course teaches the alphabet, as well as basic grammar and vocabulary, building a foundation for understanding Ukrainian texts. The course may be useful in gaining a basic ability to read and catalogue records from Ukraine. While this single course will not teach full fluency, the lessons on noun genders, plurals, and basic vocabulary, including numbers, can provide useful context for cataloging and researching archival materials.
Journalist
A journalist investigates and reports on current events, and this course may be useful if the journalist plans to work in a Ukrainian region. This course provides a foundation in reading Ukrainian, and introduces the basics of vocabulary. This may help the journalist to interpret written materials or understand the names of people and places. While fluency is not the goal of this course, the very basics of understanding the language may allow a journalist to better do their work. Lessons on grammar, such as noun genders and plurals, can be useful for any written material.
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads visitors through various locations and provides information, and this course may be useful for a tour guide leading groups in Ukraine. Although this course is introductory, a tour guide can use basic vocabulary such as greetings, numbers, and country names in their work. The course's focus on reading Ukrainian may also help a tour guide navigate maps, signs, and other written materials. While this course is not focused on conversational skills, a familiarity with the language, including gendered nouns and plurals, may be helpful to a tour guide.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ukrainian language (for beginners).
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Ukrainian language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It is particularly useful for beginners as it offers clear explanations and practical exercises. The workbook component allows for active learning and reinforcement of concepts. This book can serve as a valuable reference tool throughout the course.

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