Hello everyone,

I am from New Zealand.

I have been studying Russian for less than a week.

I am using Babel Yak's Russian language learning videos as a learning resource. They can be found here:

Learn Russian Lesson 1 - Part I - Babel Yak - YouTube

My primary aim is to have a basic grasp of the Russian language. I would like to be able to communicate with individuals who do not speak English - in the event of a major humanitarian disaster.

Up until recently, I was a volunteer in an organisation that provides assistance to victims of major disasters (for example: earthquakes). I intend to return to my former position with that organisation soon.

In the event of a major crisis, people will be evacuated to shelters. I want to be able to get vital information from evacuees (the ones who lack the ability to communicate in English) if a translator is not readily available. The types of vital information that I may be asking are:

Do you have any special medical needs?
Is there anyone missing?
Where were you staying?
Can you describe your son/daughter/mother/father to me?

I would also like to be able to respond to their concerns. For example: offer reassurance that a translator has been called.

I would appreciate anyone's help in this task.

If there is anything I can do for you in return, please do not hesitate to ask.

I understand that it can be a demanding task to assist someone in learning a new language, and so I will try to keep queries to a minimum. I already have some people who are willing to help me, and so I am able to avoid bothering you to much should you decide to help me.

Finally, I chose to learn Russian first (instead of Mandarin, Hindi, German, or French), because I am very interested in Russia (particularly its food). Absolute fluency in Russian is not my primary goal, but it is one of my secondary goals. I also like the way the language sounds.

Thanks


Chemist12