Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Mogsfan · WayToRussified Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 490

I'm not sure where to post this. Hopefully, it's okay here.

I'm wondering how interested most Russians are in learning English. Do most learn it formally or whenever they can (i.e. from foreigners in Russia or via online).

I'm trying to learn Russian online or in other words, on my own. I emailed a few Russians after reading some ads on another website. They were asking for English speakers and penpals. A few replied. I'll see how it goes. I did the same thing ages ago but the Russian "students" stopped replying or something else happened. Perhaps, they didn't have the time, found a more formal way to learn or it became too expensive (using the internet for that)? I don't know.

This question is for the Russians reading: Do you think a lot of Russians like the English-Russian language email exchange? Is English important to know or what I should ask, HOW important is it to be at a high level?

What else should I mention... oh yeah, I cannot afford a trip to Russia at this time to learn the language even though I know it is the best way (i.e. immerse oneself). Also, a formal course is not feasible at this time for the same reason. Although, I may go about this at some point later in time. For now, I use the free online courses. It's mostly a matter of time management right now. Although, it does appear difficult, I can see why some people say you *can* learn the language. A lot of repetition and constant exposure to the language seems like the way to go. However, I probably need to find a speaker eventually because I predict that my pronounciation will be the part that needs the most work. =)

BELS · Lounge Lizard Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 107

Plenty of books around learning the Russian, with tapes and cds. for you to get Russian pronounciation. Try making a search on amazon.com. or your local bookstore. perhaps some Russian movies.

No need to leave your country, dont know where your from, but you should be able to to contact your local colleges for Russian courses, partime fulltime, I am sure you will find something suitable to your lifestyle. Without leaving the country. Maybewhen you do decide to leave your country for Russia, you might want to look into being a teacher of english as second language.

CANTO · Just Starting Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 2

This is in response to your question about learning Russian by yourself. If you don't already have a great system worked out for yourself then I would highly recommend the book, "How To Learn Any Language." The authour, Barry Farber, speaks something like 25 languages and has brought a lifetime of dedicated language learning to bear on his synthesis of various techniques and includes some of his own original ideas. I am a native English speaker that speaks four languages and am just starting Russian. The book is very easy to read. I took it out from the library and read it in one day. I know everyone has a book you "have to read" but if you find yourself with a spare afternoon I think you will find yourself richly rewarded for your effort. Anyway, someone just told me about it the other day and then I happened upon your message so I thought I'd pass it along. Good luck with your continuing studies.

CANTO · Just Starting Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Posts: 2

Almost forgot www.mylanguageexchage.com
You have to pay ($5, I think) if you want to initiate contact and really make the site work for you. But that gives you unlimited contacts and there are as many Russians eager to do a language exchange with native English speakers as there are the other way round. Again, good luck to all you language lovers out there.