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learning the language?

 
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horcgal
Frequent Guest


Joined: 07 Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Location: USA

PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 12:08 am    Post subject: learning the language? Reply with quote

HI,

Im new to this forum. I know Im a LONG way off from actually travelling to Russia and have been reading the various posts for tips, advice, ideas, etc.

Has anyone on this forum ever learned to speak Russian? did you go to a school for it? take some sort of online courses? How many years did it take to learn? I recently saw something about some "Pimsleur" language method that sounded interesting, but good marketing can make anything sound interesting even if not true!!!!

Im just looking to learn basic conversational skills. If I couldnt figure out a sign, I could at least be able to ask someone.

Thank you.
Karen
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Vasenka
Just Starting


Joined: 08 Jul 2008
Posts: 4

PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 8:04 am    Post subject: Russian Language Reply with quote

Learn the Russian Alphabet immediately...

Many Russian words are the same or very similar to English words, ---so called "congnates." Hopefully not "false friends!"

Then, you'll be able to read street, metro and store signs immediately.

Learn basic phrases from a travel book... Where's _____? How much does this cost...? Russian is inflected but the word order is similar to English.

Vocabulary is hard to pick up since most English speakers can't "think in" Cyrillic... So you've got to learn to "see" and "say" the word! The Russian alphabet is pretty much you say what you see... Some letters change their sound depending on where they are in the word...but only a few. Laughing

A lot of common Russian phrases...do not translate literally...they are idioms...that seem strange to English speakers!

But "Privet" ...Hi....

And "Kak Dela..." How's it going?

Can go a long way and get you through the day.
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horcgal
Frequent Guest


Joined: 07 Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Location: USA

PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you for the reply.

So.....learn to read it first. Are there any sites online that teach the alphabet ? It looks like it might be difficult, but I think I can do it !!!

Ive looked at a few english to russian phrase books, however the difficult part is the pronunciation of the words. So, Im looking for a program or something that I can learn to speak it also.

thanks for everyone's help !!
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Vasenka
Just Starting


Joined: 08 Jul 2008
Posts: 4

PostPosted: Tue Jul 08, 2008 7:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try:

http://www.learnrussianfree.com
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