Russian language FAQ: Teachers answer 5 of the most popular questions

1. At what age is it best to start learning Russian?

“For a long time, it was believed that it’s better to learn the language at a young age. But, in fact, you can learn Russian at any age. The learning process, though, will have its own specific features,” says Varvara Filippova, acting head of the Department for Internships of Foreign Specialists at the Pushkin Institute. 

“Learning any language, including Russian, at any age requires motivation and interest. Adults often have problems with motivation, due to being very busy. But, the most important thing is to understand that learning a language requires a systematic approach and regular practice is essential. Whether it's five minutes with a new song in Russian or a short post from an interesting blog,” she adds.

Read the full reply in detail here.

2. I started learning Russian. So, when will I be able to read Russian literature?

“If you are beginning to study Russian, the main thing is to choose the right approach”, says Alexei Yashchenko, a teacher of additional education in Russian as a foreign language at the Department of Russian as a Foreign Language of the Pushkin Institute.

“Choose short stories, blogs and social media posts where the vocabulary is simple and repetitive. At a higher level, you can already try reading simple original works: Pushkin’s prose and poetry, Chekhov’s stories, the works of Boris Zakhoder, drama and contemporary literature with a clear plot. At the same time, like mentioned above, don’t immediately take on Leo Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’ – it’s not an easy read, even for native Russian speakers! It’s much more effective to progress gradually, combining reading with discussion of what you have read, keeping a vocabulary notebook of new words and retelling the text out loud,” he adds.

Find more practical advice from Alexei Yashchenko here! 

3. Russian is very difficult! How to stay motivated?

“Russian is indeed a difficult language and, sometimes during the learning process, you may feel like giving it all up,” says Varvara Filippova.

“To maintain motivation, first, be sure to notice your progress. For example, if last week you had seven errors in an exercise and this week only three, that's progress and it's important to acknowledge it. Second, switch between different types of activities. If you spend a lot of time on grammar, complex texts and vocabulary study, try adding something lighter and more playful, like watching funny videos in Russian. And vice versa,” Varvara adds.

“Learn Russian through what genuinely interests you, be it cooking or fashion. And find a supportive community.”

Read more about ways on how to stay motivated here!

4. Russians speak too fast, I can't understand them! How to train understanding spoken Russian?

“Listening comprehension often seems like the most difficult type of language activity, but the good news is that you can learn to understand Russian speech if you practice listening regularly and correctly,” says Elizaveta Golovakha, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Internship for Foreign Specialists at the Pushkin Institute.

• Try to grasp the general meaning, the topic and the emotion, instead of trying to catch every single word separately.
• Listen to short fragments. Thirty seconds, one minute, two minutes max. Long videos can quickly tire you out and create a sense of failure. For example, you can listen to short podcasts.
• It’s very useful to repeat phrases out loud after the speaker! When you start reproducing Russian intonation and rhythm yourself, understanding becomes easier. 
• Choose a material that matches your level or even lower.

Find more tips on how to better listen here.

5. How to learn to read Russian handwriting

“Reading handwritten text is a skill you can develop in just a few weeks with regular practice,” says Polina Antonova, an education teacher in Russian as a foreign language at the Pushkin Institute's Department of Russian as a Foreign Language. 

“First of all, visually learn cursive letters. Print out a chart of Russian handwritten letters and practice writing them yourself for a few days (check out the chart on our website!). Then, practice with similar-looking words. Write out words with repeating elements in cursive (or find ready-made examples): ‘лилии’ (lilies), ‘шины’ (tires), ‘машина’ (car), ‘лишишь’ (be deprived),” she adds.

Remember, work with real texts and write more! Find more detailed tips here.

'Gateway to Russia' is grateful to the Pushkin Institute for its help in preparing this article.