Learning Russian felt like an insurmountable challenge, especially at 60. Many warned that my usual approach—immersing myself in listening and reading without focusing on grammar—wouldn’t work with Russian’s complex grammar. Driven by a lifelong love of Russian literature and the dream of reading Tolstoy in the original, I embarked on this linguistic adventure. This is my story of How I Learned Russian.
Early Stages: Embracing Immersion and Leveraging Technology
My initial steps involved traditional methods: textbooks like Colloquial, Teach Yourself, and Living Language. I listened to audio recordings and read diligently. Simultaneously, I utilized LingQ, a language learning platform, albeit in its early stages. Despite the technical limitations, I started building my vocabulary and familiarizing myself with the language’s patterns.
Yevgeny, a LingQ enthusiast from St. Petersburg, provided invaluable content. Crucially, I dove into audiobooks. While YouTube integration wasn’t available then, importing classic texts into LingQ proved immensely beneficial. My LingQ journey, starting in 2007, reflects periods of intense activity and gradual progress, showcasing the long-term commitment required for language acquisition. The platform tracked my growing vocabulary, a testament to consistent reading and listening.
Immersing in Russian Literature and Culture: Audiobooks and Beyond
Tolstoy’s “The Kreutzer Sonata,” being short and readily available, became my first audiobook conquest. Though comprehension was initially limited, working through the text on LingQ, word by word, phrase by phrase, built a solid foundation. I immersed myself in Chekhov and other Russian literary giants, often listening during cross-country skiing sessions. This constant exposure, coupled with dedicated vocabulary building on LingQ, proved transformative. Even with the platform’s initial slow processing speed, my determination remained unwavering.
The Power of Conversation and Current Affairs
While initial years focused on passive immersion, conversational practice became pivotal. Regular interactions with tutors, including Yevgeny and Alana, significantly boosted my fluency and confidence. Discovering Ekho Moskvy, a Moscow radio station known for its diverse (and often anti-establishment) viewpoints, opened another avenue for learning. Daily, I imported interview transcripts into LingQ, expanding my vocabulary and gaining insights into contemporary Russian society and politics. This consistent exposure to authentic spoken Russian, coupled with the textual reinforcement, proved invaluable.
Expanding Horizons: From Russian to the Slavic World
My Russian language journey extended beyond its borders. Trips to Riga, Latvia, yielded a treasure trove of Russian CDs and DVDs, further enriching my cultural immersion. Moreover, mastering Russian served as a gateway to other Slavic languages. Czech, Polish, Ukrainian, and Slovak became accessible, thanks to the foundational knowledge acquired through Russian.
My experience with Russian demonstrates the power of combining traditional and innovative learning methods. Embracing immersive experiences, leveraging technology, and engaging in consistent practice unlocked a world of linguistic and cultural richness. While challenges arose, the joy of discovery and the ability to connect with Russian literature and culture in its original form made the journey profoundly rewarding. Learning Russian wasn’t just about acquiring a new language; it was a transformative experience that opened doors to a whole new world.
