Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Dougski · Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 10:47 pm Post subject: how much English is spoken ??

as a first time visitor to moscow im curious as to how much english is spoken by the locals? as i know zero russian or can i get by with hand signals ?

camarks · Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2009 3:33 am Post subject:

If you stick to major hotels and tourist sights you will get by I guess. However, it would be a good idea to learn a few words and the alphabet.

polarrrbear · Frequent Guest Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 32

Aside from people who have dealings with foreigners, not very much. Even some who regularly deal with foreigners don't speak much (that include train ticket counter, museum/theater ticket office, and so on). Some younger people know some English, but majority don't.

Simply put, English doesn't work much (if at all) if you step out of the comfort of major tourism industry.

YellowMelon · Frequent Guest Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 64

Russian is not difficult to learn. Especially not the very basics.

krasatulya · VIP Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 590

YellowMelon · Frequent Guest Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 64

Well I might just be overpowered, then. Wink

krasatulya · VIP Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 590

Or you are a gifted linguist Smile

Ulfen · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject:

I have studied Russian for 6 months and I am struggling when I am there.
But it helps tremendously to know the little I know. Especially when you are traveling outside Moscow and St Petersburg.