aaaa The cabinets in my language teacher’s Kiev apartment, covered in Russian language materials.
I was recently asked by Matador Abroad to write two language pieces for travelers and others interested in learning Russian. The first piece, published today, is 8 essential tips for learning Russian.
An excerpt:
4. Keep a pocket notebook and pen on you at all times
My vocabulary would probably have remained at a sixth-grade level if it weren’t for my friends. It’s probably safe to say that I learn at least one new word each day just by conversing with them. So that I don’t forget any of these words, I keep paper and a pen on me at all times. A notebook also comes in handy when you can’t remember what that strange food was your friend made you try before. Don’t want to eat it again? Look it up in your notebook. “Aha! Holodyets – meat jello. No, I do not like this.”
A second piece about helpful Russian phrases for travelers will be published sometime later this month.
Nice essay, Chris. You really illuminated something that I’ve found to be true: Russian is so organic. That is, the language that people speak doesn’t look much like the language in the textbooks.
Thanks for your writing.