When you visit Ukraine, you discover that there is a language barrier you are going to have to overcome. The official 
language of Ukraine is Ukrainian and most visitors to the country will find this language or the language of the countries located around it – such as Russian, Romanian, Hungarian, and Polish – being spoken. While many Ukrainian residents understand Russian, they may not respond to you if you speak it, especially the further west you go. In the eastern part of Ukraine, like Crimea, Russian is spoken almost exclusively. In the central and eastern parts of Ukraine, you will find Ukrainian and Russian being spoken at the same time. This language mixture is called ‘surzhyk’.
Younger members of the country and its communities may speak and understand some English. English is taught as a foreign language in the schools and if you are lucky enough to find a young Ukrainian who understands and speaks English and they are willing to help you, you will be extremely unfortunate.
Unless you are planning on bringing a translator with you on your trip to Ukraine, it is recommended that you learn basic Ukrainian or Russian before entering the country. A Ukrainian or Russian phrase book will come in handy. You should also keep the mobile number of someone who is bilingual in English and one of these languages in your phone so that you can have something translated quickly. If you can speak another Slavic language such as the one listed above, you will be able to communicate well enough to get around the country.
