Thread: just getting started questions

Hello: I know you all have heard this question a million times, but I am looking for the most efficient way to learn to speak Russian. My motivation is this. We have always followed the situation and fate of Russian orphans and how difficult their lives can be. We spent our savings to adopt two children already and are saving for another now. Unfortunately it is extremely expensive. We also want to spend our free time and resources to help these children in any way we can. I would someday like to teach my children Russian. I would also like to learn to speak Russian to be able to travel there and interact and help the orphanages in several ways.

I have started with Pimsleur 1 and am about to start lesson 5. I have found it extremely helpful. I plan to complete all 3 courses

I just ordered the new Penguin course ro written material
Is there anything else I should be doing?

Am I taking the correct tack? Are there any other methods I should be using? Do I need to learn to read and write Russian? Anthing else I should know for self study. Unfortunately I do not know any Russian speaking people. I am motivated and tend to work hard on something once I start it. I just want to spend my efforts working on the correct things.
Scott

I do thing that learning to read and write will be a big part of learning the language...

I guess all you can do for now is to learn your basics like you are. Then start reading articles, books, and magazines. Watch Russian movies. Once you learn the basic phrases and grammar, move onto the harder stuff. Buy a grammar book. I suggest "Essentials of Russian Grammar" by Nicholas Maltzoff. Also, buy "501 Russian Verbs". These are the books I use most ofte, next to my dictionary (Harper Collins).

Hope that helps a bit.

You should be getting private lessons with a tutor or taking language classes. Both will involve working face-to-face with people who know the language and can offer more help than a book.

You definately need to learn to read and write Russian. If you can't read Russian what good is a Text book like New Penguin, which by the way is very good. You don't actually have to take lessons in a formal class in order to learn. If you are like me they will only slow you down because you will only be able to go as fast as the stupidest person in your class. They are OK as long as you only consider them to be an EXTRA learning resource. A tutor would be the best. Keep on with the Pimsleur, study the grammar in New Penguin and learn vocabulary. When you want to know how far you have to go watch A russian Movie.


I know a russian fellow who totally learned to speak English by listening to BBC broadcasts.

Thank you both so much, I kind of thought that I should be reading also. I will do that. Those are both great suggestions and help me tremendously . They are exactly the kind of answers I was hoping for. I sure appreciate the time. I am plugging away at the pimsleurs at about 2.5 hours per day. I find it tough but learnable with a lot of effort. I have to recall the words all day long in my head to keep up. It takes me a couple of days and about 4 listens for each lesson. Eventually I get it down. The toughest part for me is how words and order of words change.

Example:

1)Wouldnt you like something to eat. (ne hateeleba voy stonybutdz pa yeast)

2)you would like something to eat (voy hateeleba stonybudtz pa yeast)

3)where would you like something to eat (Gadeerba voy hateele stonybudtz pa yeat)

They never tell you why the (ba) changes places or words from 1 to 3or why the voy changes places from 2 to 3?

It would be nice if they gave you a rule so you could understand and think it out.


Im sure thats the same for others. Im thinking maybe it becomes easier and follows a pattern after a while.Thanks again
I will take all of your suggestion.
Scott

Originally Posted by scott

1)Wouldnt you like something to eat. (ne hateeleba voy stonybutdz pa yeast)

2)you would like something to eat (voy hateeleba stonybudtz pa yeast)

3)where would you like something to eat (Gadeerba voy hateele stonybudtz pa yeat)

They never tell you why the (ba) changes places or words from 1 to 3or why the voy changes places from 2 to 3?

You can also say (in 2-nd example): "Хотели бы вы что-нибудь поесть?" - in Russian words order is not so strict as in English, noun and verb can trade places. Don't pay too much attention to it, keep following the patterns.

But (ba) - "бы" - subjunctive particle - goes always behind the subject under consideration. In the 1st example - it's a wish: не хотели бы (would...like?)In the 3d - it's a place: где бы (where?).

Rosetta Stone is the best for learning a ton of vocabulary really quickly.

As well as putting stickers with the words on your fridge and awerywere in the house

Originally Posted by Biancca

Rosetta Stone is the best for learning a ton of vocabulary really quickly.

If you have limewire, you can find this program for free in basically any language. Or else, PM me.

Like DDT said, I also definitely learn more while studying on my own, but getting a tutor / class is very good for pronunciation (My Russian friends still make fun of me for my pronunciation). Or, simply talking to native speakers if you don't want to pay, and have access to tallk to a native speaker.
Try a combination of each, that's your best bet....

-Fantom

Originally Posted by scott

It would be nice if they gave you a rule so you could understand and think it out.

This why you need a book that deals with the cases. It will actually make your CD's easier.

Originally Posted by Biancca

Rosetta Stone is the best for learning a ton of vocabulary really quickly.

And how much did that cost?

I really appreciated everyones responses. This has really helped me establish a direction to take. Thanks again. I will take the advise .Ill continue to stay in touch with this site also.
Scott

Originally Posted by DDT

Originally Posted by Biancca

Rosetta Stone is the best for learning a ton of vocabulary really quickly.

And how much did that cost?

$195 for Level 1
$295 for Level 2
$329 for both
or you can do subscriptions starting at $49.95 per month, $89.95 for 3 months, etc....
(of course, this is all retail, you can probably find it used on Ebay cheaper.)

Or, like I said, if you know where, you can get it for nada!

Originally Posted by fantom605

Or, like I said, if you know where, you can get it for nada!

Would this involve me having to allow my computer to recieive all kinds of adds, pop ups and weird organisms that want to take over the world by any chance?

Nope, Limewire is spyware free, unlike Kazaa.
I have it at home and can send it also.
I personally guarantee, the only odd organism that will want to take over the world would be me!
-Fantom

I love limewire!!!!!!!!! It is the best thing that I ever found.

Another good p2p is bear share.

Originally Posted by saibot

I love limewire!!!!!!!!! It is the best thing that I ever found.

Another good p2p is bear share.

I just heard of that one today... I'll have to check it out.
As I see in my previous post, apparently, "k-a-z-a-a" is blasphemous!

-Fantom

ok fantom...how do you get rosetta stone free?

Criminals! All of you!!!

Biancca-
If you download limewire (the website is just the name), you can get it there (it's a peer 2 peer software with no spyware), otherwise, I am going to try to upload it to my website tomorrow, it's approx. 272 mb, giver or take.
-Fantom

ps- Kalinka (do you prefer to be called Kalinka, Vinnie, or both??)
I've never paid for any software! Well, I write software, so usually I can get it for free... If not, Limewire knows where to find it...