Participation in the BASEES Annual Conference 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to present ongoing research on lexical innovation in Ukrainian as a mechanism of linguistic decolonisation. The paper examined how new lexical forms—particularly neologisms, gender-inclusive expressions, and feminised occupational terms—contribute to reshaping linguistic norms in the context of Ukraine’s post-imperial language development.
The presentation stimulated an engaged and critical discussion. Several questions from the audience focused on the ideological and sociolinguistic implications of lexical innovation. One key line of questioning involved pushbacks against LGBT+ related lexical innovations in Ukrainian. These questions addressed issues such as social acceptance, perceived foreign influence, and the boundaries of language planning in relation to identity politics. Another substantial topic of discussion concerned the use of feminitives in Ukrainian. Participants raised questions regarding their grammatical status, naturalness in contemporary usage, and whether such forms represent organic language evolution or prescriptive intervention. These exchanges highlighted differing perspectives on the role of language in reflecting and shaping social change, as well as the tensions inherent in processes of linguistic decolonisation.
Overall, the discussion demonstrated the relevance of the topic beyond purely linguistic analysis, showing its intersection with broader cultural and political debates. The questions and critical feedback received during the session provided useful insights for further refinement of the research, particularly in relation to framing lexical innovation within competing sociolinguistic ideologies.
In addition to the academic discussion, the conference had a significant networking impact. It enabled the establishment and strengthening of professional contacts with colleagues from the same panel, many of whom were met in person for the first time at this conference despite previous online interactions. This face-to-face meeting was important for consolidating academic relationships and building trust for future collaboration. Furthermore, the conference created opportunities to engage in discussions regarding mentoring support for Ukrainian scholars. Contacts were established in relation to potential participation in mentoring programmes aimed at supporting early-career researchers from Ukraine. These discussions opened avenues for future cooperation focused on academic development, institutional support, and integration of Ukrainian scholars into wider international research networks.