Thread: Want to learn Russian

Hi

I always wanted to learn Russian and now is my oportunity, however my University only offers Russian I,II, III and IV. Do you think after taking all those courses, I can at least follow by myself at least in reading and writing?

Thanks

Jose

Sure you can. You can learn Russian by yourself after 0 years.

only offers 4 years! how much longer are you gonna stay at college?

Each part is a semester, and is PhD, no Bachelor, so it takes longer, so probably will be like 5 more , I'm in my first year, plus you have to finish the classes and do a dissertation. That is the reason I wanted to know if I invest my time in the language, I can go on by myself...

I think, like most any other language studied in school, your language skills will be feeble at best in the "real world" after all those courses. You'd be better off doing a semester abroad in Moscow or St. Pete to enhance your learning.

Most Americans take Spanish or French in junior high and high school and can even speak a complete sentence when thrown into a conversational situation. You will have to find a way that forces you into consistent talking mode to really become functional.

I agree with you! Went I was doing my bachelor, I took French, Italian and German and I forgot. I had to take again French to become fluent, I am using the same approach that I did to learn English. I learn English first by classes, grammar, reading and writing, and after all that I focus in conversation, the advantage that I find is that I got more vocabulary, after three years here, I speak English fluently, (My first language is Spanish). I expect to use the same approach with Russian and would love to do some course in Russia sometime (like an immersion or something)

Thanks to all for your feedback, I'm feeling more confident in taking Russian.

I agree with Pravit. You can learn Russian on your own without taking any Russian classes.
It may take longer on your own but it can be done.

This poll question is ambiguous.
Does it mean
"Do you have to take at least two years of Russian classes before you can learn on your own?"
Then the answer is no.

or does it mean
“Can you continue to learn Russian by yourself after taking 2 years (or less) of Russian classes.”
Then the answer is yes.

I assume the second question was what the author of the poll wanted to say so I voted yes.

I personally think it is faster to learn on your own, or at least with a private tutor. You go at your own pace, and get lessons tailered to your personal needs.

Originally Posted by Darobat

I personally think it is faster to learn on your own,

I agree with that.