Thread: greetings and Hello: I am just beginning learn Russian

Greetings to the Masterrussian forums.

Although i have been registered for some months now, I have not utilized any of the forums until now. There are no Russian speakers in my local area and I have gotten very frustrated trying to learn the language solo, I have come to the conclusion that i will not attain my goals unless i join a active on-line community whose goal is learning Russian.

at this time my Russian level is very low. i still trying to memorize the alphabet and some of the basic words.

I am unable to use video at this time( i will have a web cam soon) but could use any advice on how to progress

sincerely, Henry K

Hi, Henry!

You are absolutely right that decide to join to community. I haven't any foreign speakers in my surround too. But in your occasion you looking for Russian speakers but I looking for English. A short time ago I realize that practice is a very important part of studying foreign language. I think I will be not far from truth if say follow. When someone has been learning foreign languages, one must balance between grammar and practice all the time. Thereby I recommended you to begin type messages in Russian as soon as you can.

Good luck!

Thanks for answering. I have been looking around for guidance on the required steps or progression of learning the language ( i tend to rush ahead , then get frustrated) i need information on what to learn and in what order . Example, First Learn the alphabet THEN go to _____ and learn that. I have never seen a syllabus for learning on this site, any suggestions

a clarification, i know that there are many programs that are available that have step by step progression. but if i took a university class i would fail because i do not know what the standards are required for progression

Probably chaika (another user) can help with first-hand advice. The easiest way is to buy a good book and follow the lessons plan.

If you don't want to spend money just yet, you can check various books in online stores to see what approach they use.
For example this book - Russian for Beginners - has a very detailed Table of Contents (you can see it by clicking on 'Look inside this book' link under the cover). You may follow it to some extent in your studies.

This page has some general guidlines too - How to Learn Russian - wikiHow.

But whatever way you'll choose, first you need to learn Russian alphabet and basic reading skills. They are rather simple so you'll be able to read almost right away (without understanding what you are reading, of course ). It's impossible to progress further without it.

Unfortunately, there are no unique program follow which any can learn language (it's concerns the native language too). The process of achieving ability to speak in language is mystery (there is the collocation in Russian - Мистический опыт (mystery experience)). From this point of view (not only my),I think that you can take any course, but I advise you to take that one, which will be interesting and clear for you. In this way you won't be feel disgust during class. Step by step you must accumulate your own experience.
As regards the practice, I think you can start with trying to compose a simple sentences that consists of few words. For example, Меня зовут Генри. Я живу в штате Орегон США. Штат расположен на северо-западе страны. and so on...

About different programs, in first time you must beware theoretical courses of Russian language. Generally, Its useful for grammar knowledge, but useless for your communication abilities.

Have a nice day!