URBAN THEMES IN THE METHODOLOGY OF TEACHING UKRAINIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

The paper deals with the presentation of the urban theme in the methodology of teaching Ukrainian as a foreign language. The purpose of the study is to examine the place and role of the urban theme in the process of teaching Ukrainian to foreigners. The author of the study underscores the importance of this topic in the context of teaching foreign citizens, given its presence in program documents at all levels of proficiency in Ukrainian as a foreign language. The article analyzes textbooks of Ukrainian as a foreign language and concludes that urban material (ranging from using lexical items such as «city» and names of Ukrainian cities to texts about these cities and communicative situations in urban settings) is presented at all levels of language proficiency. The presentation and versatility of such material depends on the learning goal, target group, level of language proficiency, subject matter, tasks proposed, author preferences, and where the textbook was created or published. The paper outlines the concept of urban space in the methodology of teaching Ukrainian as a foreign language, highlights the peculiarities of presenting urban topics at different levels and offers examples of tasks based on material about Kyiv. It is proved that urban texts have a significant linguodidactic potential. Using urban materials enables integrated learning of language, history, and culture, as well as mastery of communication skills and abilities necessary for living in the city and solving everyday and professional issues. The inclusion of materials about Kyiv’s realities in the educational process contributes to the development of social and socio-cultural skills necessary for a comfortable stay in the city, integration into its cultural environment, and as a result will positively impact intercultural communication in various spheres of life. Key words: Ukrainian as a foreign language, textbook, urban text, urban space, city, Kyiv.