A Canadian student's semester in Lviv results in unique book (07/20/03)

A Canadian student's semester in Lviv results in unique book

by Olena Zabolotna

EDMONTON - Maria Kachmar's new book "Semestr u Lvovi" (A Semester in Lviv) was successfully launched in Edmonton on May 24. Chairs had to be continually set up in the Ukrainian National Federation (UNF) building to accommodate over 100 people who attended the launch. The event was attended by the representatives of the University of Alberta, the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, and the Ukrainian Bilingual Program as well as Ukrainian Canadians and guests from Ukraine. A large multicultural group of Ms. Kachmar's neighbors also supported the event.

The book was published by the Ukrainian Language Education Center, CIUS, at the University of Alberta. As Marusia Petryshyn, ULEC director, mentioned at the launch, the book attracted her attention because of its unique content, usage of modern Ukrainian and original design. Nataliya Pilipuk and Alla Nedashkivska, professors of modern languages at the University of Alberta, also expressed their admiration for the book.

At the launch Ms. Kachmar shared her thoughts about the book, its development, and plans for the future. She thanked everyone who contributed to the birth of "Semestr u Lvovi." Larissa Kachmar, Maria's sister, worked on the project with her. Larissa Kachmar's visualization and design of the book enhanced it enormously. Orest Soltykevych, in a radio interview with Maria Kachmar, pointed out that even if you do not speak Ukrainian, "the book is worth buying just for the pictures."

The idea of the book emerged before Maria Kachmar's trip to Lviv and her studies at the Lviv National University, and it is based on the author's travel diary. The author said that the audience she originally had in mind was high school and university students who enjoy learning about Ukrainian culture and language. As a future teacher, she said she is especially interested in using the book for teaching Ukrainian to expose students to modern language and slang. Besides its educational purposes, "Semestr u Lvovi" is meant to be an enjoyable read for all ages, native or non-native speakers of Ukrainian.

So what is "Semestr u Lvovi"? According to Ms. Kachmar's words at the launch, "It is a travel diary, a photo album, a handbook for learning modern Ukrainian and slang terms, an attempt to connect two worlds, and an exploration of thoughts and ideas about modern Ukrainian culture and life of Ukrainians." The book describes the adventures and impressions of a young Ukrainian Canadian who goes to the unknown land of her ancestors to make up her own mind about modern Ukraine. "Semestr u Lvovi" provides a glimpse of the country today, reflecting changes that occurred in the past 100 years. Through the author's eyes the reader can see the streets of Ukrainian cities, places of interest, university life and student activities.

With her work, the author tries to build a bridge from Lviv to Edmonton, overcoming the gap between two different cultures - "Ukrainianism" in the diaspora and "Ukrainianism" in the fatherland. Ms. Kachmar's experience, as depicted in the book brings up a completely new view of Ukraine breaking a lot of traditional perceptions and stereotypes. Maria expressed her intention: "I wanted each side to be able to comprehend the other a little bit better."

Theway the book is written makes it appealing to a wide audience. As indicated in the preface, it is written in the genre of creative non-fiction. The language itself also reflects the author's desire to substitute the standardized perception of Ukraine with reality. At first, she uses the Kharkiv orthography of 1929 known in the diaspora, whereas later she changes to the orthography used in Ukraine today. This is a successful attempt to show language assimilation. Thus, readers can become familiar with everyday spoken Ukrainian that can be heard in the streets of Lviv.

Ms. Kachmar, a student at the University of Alberta, is in her fourth year of education studies. She is genuinely interested in Ukrainian culture, takes part in activities of Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization, and actively supports the Ukrainian community in Edmonton. After graduation she plans to travel and teach English in Europe.

"Semestr u Lvovi" is her first journey in the world of literature. She would like to translate her book into English and even publish it in Ukraine, and is hoping to organize presentations of the book in Munich, as well as other European cities.

More information about Ms. Kachmar and "Semestr u Lvovi" can be found on the University of Alberta webpage http://www.ualberta.ca/~ulec/kachmar. To order a copy over the Internet readers may send e-mail to semestr_u_ lvovi@yahoo.ca.

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