Learning Russian

[Andy G]

Hi, I would like to visit the FSU countries, I am currently learning Russian through audio CD & books, I am probably not going to be able to read the language all that well, but I will find out as time goes on. I am wondering if any Russians can offer any tips on learning the language as everyone I speak to all say the same, Russian is a complicated language to learn.

[Nat]

Yep, comparing to English, Russian really is a very complicated language because of its grammar. However, you don't need extensive grammar to be understood, even if you make mistakes - it's ok, people will understand you. I guess the most important thing is to know a lot of words and some common phrases. Think about the words you might need during your trip and the phrases you'd like to be able to say, and translate them into Russian beforehand - this might help. Have fun

[acctBill]

Hi Andy G and welcome to RWD.  When I was learning Russian many years ago I took classes, I found that to be a better method than any of the audio video methods of the time.  The one thing I did that helped greatly was real life practice of my Russian.  Like you I lived in England (London) and even then there were Russians living and working in the area so I heard Russian spoken.  I took every opportunity to practice even if it just meant saying "hello" or "Thank you".  The better I got the more I spoke, it tended to build up over time. 
For the reading and writing part of the language you really need a teacher to instruct you in the proper method of writing and composing sentences.  Again once you get to a certain point with the reading and writing you can learn on your own but I highly recommend a classroom setting for the start of learning Russian.

[GQBlues]

Hello Andy G-
 
Strictly and solely based on your personal information, I believe if you're planning to learn Russian on your way to meeting a wonderful mate, please allow me to suggest that you first try and look for the Russian word equivalent to the following English words...
 
 
gametes, zygote, haploid, germ cell...
 
 
These will be highly valuable to your cause...

[ghost of moon goddess]

Once posted, as with all forums on this site, take a few deep breaths and get ready for screening and diagnostic tests. Be aware that some RWDers may want to explore your sense of humor. As a general rule, most of them will make fun of you for one reason and one reason alone. Because they like you. 
Good luck to you, Andy G!

[mendeleyev]

Hi Andy,

I'm posting these from other sections hoping that you will find it useful:

As for online, I recommend these links--

Language resources: http://russianreport.wordpress.com/russian-language/russian-language-resources/

Cyrillic alphabet: http://russianreport.wordpress.com/russian-language/learn-the-cyrillic-alphabet/

Grammar: http://russianreport.wordpress.com/russian-language/russian-grammar/


Rosetta Stone or Pimsleur are okay at best but both have major weaknesses. Both are good for vocal and learning phrases but last time I checked the definition of illiteracy was not being able to read or write what one speaks. If I'm going to make an investment in time, energy and money to learn a new language, the illiteracy option just doesn't seem that attractive. Go to the language resources link above and get a college level text with workbook and CDs which you can find cheaply at Amazon or Ebay.

The college text series GOLOSA (means "voices") is now available on Amazon and Ebay for around $100 for a good condition used text. Including CDs, videos, and easily available online audio and videos in which you participate in life-like conversations. I give GOLOSA very high marks: http://www.gwu.edu/~slavic/golosa/. This is perhaps the only University level class that provides the free accompanying tools (from George Washington University) in which an individual could have a chance at successful self-study at that level.

I mentioned earlier online courses which use lessons with sound at http://www.study-languages-online.com/course.html and www.listen2russian.com with their excellent grammar integration and there is the popular www.russianpod101.com easily outpace either Rosetta & Pimsleur as well.

For great practice at listening to conversation go to YouTube and search for "Russian movies with English subtitles." There are tons available.