Thread: I want to learn Russian language and I am new.

Hi there, I am Anne. I am from NZ. This is the 1st time that I login this Russian study website. Apparently, I want to learn Russian language though I am a new learner. I was wondering if someone can possibly guide me a little at the beginning? Thanks.

Originally Posted by Anne

Hi there, I am Anne. I am from NZ. This is the 1st time that I login this Russian study website. Apparently, I want to learn Russian language though I am a new learner. I was wondering if someone can possibly guide me a little at the beginning? Thanks.

Check out the "Getting Started" section for tips and advice. And, there's a website associated with this forum (masterrussian.com, I think).

If at all possible, I would suggest for looking for local classes where you can meet face to face with an instructor. And try to find opportunities in your neighborhood where you can meet native Russian speakers to practice your conversational skills with.

The best idea would be to secretly tape a webcam to the back of a Russian guy's head, then figure out that Russians actually speak Russian-accented English and call each other "comrade" when nobody's looking.

Originally Posted by Pravit

The best idea would be to secretly tape a webcam to the back of a Russian guy's head, then figure out that Russians actually speak Russian-accented English and call each other "comrade" when nobody's looking.

*dawn of realisation*

That may work, but I can't find any participating Russian men...

That's why you do it secretly!

theres this Ukrainian kid in my computer class and he will disappear for a week at a time about once every month. and when i ask when where he has been, he replys in a sly voice "It's a secret."

Originally Posted by Pravit

The best idea would be to secretly tape a webcam to the back of a Russian guy's head, then figure out that Russians actually speak Russian-accented English and call each other "comrade" when nobody's looking.

There's gotta be a more orthodox method out there... somewhere. In New Zealand, there aren't any Russian heads to tape anything to anyway.

But seriously; The only way you may have is to buy a Russian cassette and book package and a dictionary. And snail your way through the early stuff. And, then you'll find yourself having more specific questions like "How do I turn such and such a sentence into past tense?". This site is very good in this way. You can just throw out specific questions. So long as you know what you're asking, people here always answer well. This forum can be your supplement to your journey through whichever book-cassette package you choose.
Also, you can go down to the "Pen pals" heading, or "English for Russians" where there are Russians who would love for you to swap your English for their Russian.

Thx guys.

I think self-guided language learning is probably worst method to attempt a language. You can be confused about extremely simple things that a teacher could clear up in a second, but that the writers of a book may never think to include. In my opinion, absolutely must be instructed by someone who speaks the language fluently. I do not know how your school system works in NZ, or your age, but you should be able to enroll in a university-level Russian class even if you are in high school. If not, you could try and find a Russian in your community who could tutor you.

Another myth about language learning is that you can learn a language entirely within your own country. This is incorrect, after about 2 years, you just have to go where you are surrounded by native speakers to progress.

I myself am in a university class, and to think how much slower I would be learning if I had to rely on a book and a tape as my only instruction, makes me shudder.

In my opinion, absolutely must be instructed by someone who speaks the language fluently.

Hey, I did OK after 4-5 years of learning it on and off by myself. I may have a strong accent and have trouble understanding spoken Russian, but I remember people from school who had the same problems(at a worse level) after 4-5 years of the language, so I came to the conclusion that it depends entirely on the person and their will to learn(and sometimes, sadly, just the person). My French teacher was rather wonderful, bless her cotton socks, but I don't speak or understand French as well as I do Russian because I lost interest in learning it around theh 4th year.

Of course, you could say I received instruction from the many wonderful members of MR.com.

OK, Pravit, I can't figure out what your native language is. You post questions in the English for Russians forum and you also seem to post questions in the Russian forum. I'm confused.

My native language is Punjabi. Didn't I make it obvious in the "Tech Support and Site Comments" forum?

Originally Posted by Pravit

My native language is Punjabi. Didn't I make it obvious in the "Tech Support and Site Comments" forum?

I can't tell if the second part of that is sarcasm...

Originally Posted by Mikhail

What do you think about that?

I think that it would be great ....but I don't know anyone with that kind of money.

I think leraning russian is quiyte difficult. The best thin is to live in RUssia for 1 year to learn more quickly

And also try not to post when you're drunk. Just kidding.

SERVED! :O

Originally Posted by El Casey

And also try not to post when you're drunk. Just kidding.

I think my pronunciation gets better when I am drunk.

Oh, I know mine does! If I get drunk enough I will tell you that I am fluent in both Russian and German.