Thread: СТ. ПЕТЕРБУРГ here I come

Hi!

Coming from Norway on Wednesday 7th November and staying till 12th.
I have switched lesson books on my, so my Russian isn't very good. I've heard that many people in the town speak English nowadays(?)

Any forumites there?

Originally Posted by Oggi

Hi!

Coming from Norway on Wednesday 7th November and staying till 12th.
I have switched lesson books on my, so my Russian isn't very good. I've heard that many people in the town speak English nowadays(?)

Any forumites there?

I don't be too hopeful like you regarding of the people But after 1/2 liter of vodka many can speak any language even on Norwegian. But you should drink vodka too.
)))

P.S. St.Peterburg is a city

Studying foreing languages is mandatory in every Russian public school (it was also true for every Soviet one). But most people happily forget everything they learned after the graduation. Also the problem is that many people have difficulties with understanding fast speech and speaking, even if they remember the basics.

It's hard to evaluate, but I suppose that about 20% of S.-P. dwellers can hold more or less coherent conversation in English. The others may know some phrases or words, but that's it.

Make sure you visit the Hermitage, the Russian Museum, a couple of cathedrals, Peterhoff and the local liqour store!!!

Id suggest that you approach the younger generations as, in my experience (but not of Russia) it is the younger generations who are generally more by or multi lingual.

Not that Im ageist in any way!

stay away from babushkas and dont even think about sitting down on public transport when one is close. if the guilt doesnt kill you, they will

Originally Posted by Lt. Columbo

stay away from babushkas and dont even think about sitting down on public transport when one is close. if the guilt doesnt kill you, they will

One of the reasons I stopped going around by public transort. I'd better waste another hour or so in a traffic jam than to look in those accusive eyes.

One guy I used to know quit using public transport because he never liked all those babushkaZ and also dedushkaZ packed liked sardines there...