What are good ways to learn Russian?

Learning any new language is challenging, but it can also be incredibly fun and rewarding! Whether you’re hoping to learn a few basic phrases to use while travelling or planning to tackle an untranslated Dostoevsky novel, there are lots of resources out there to help you learn Russian. Whatever you plan to do with your newfound knowledge, getting some vocabulary under your belt is a good place to start.

Sign up for a class at your local college or university. 

One of the easiest ways to start learning a language is to take a class. If you’re in college, look at the course catalog and see if Russian is offered. Even if you’re not currently enrolled in a college or university, you may be able to sign up for a Russian class online or at a school in your area.

Try a language-learning book or program if you’re a self-guided learner.

If you don’t need the structure and guidance offered by a class, then you might find it helpful to use a language-learning book or software. Many language learning books and software packages include a variety of supplementary media to help you learn the language, such as recordings, videos, and interactive online quizzes and workbooks.

Use language learning apps to brush up your vocabulary and grammar. 

While you probably won’t become fluent using language learning apps, they can help you master some of the basics. These apps can beef up your vocabulary, help you review basic grammar, or teach you useful phrases. 

Search for online resources to get additional help.

There are numerous online resources for people who are interested in learning Russian, and many of them are free. For example, you can find introductory lessons on Russian grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more on websites like Multibhashi or Russianforeveryone.com.

If you’re more of an audio-visual learner, YouTube offers a wide variety of videos for helping you learn Russian.

Find a fluent Russian speaker who can practice with you.

Finding a language exchange partner is a great way to refine your skills and apply what you’ve learned. If you don’t know any native Russian speakers, try searching for Russian penpals online or joining a Russian language forum.

Learn some common words and phrases. 

As you’re just beginning to learn Russian, it can be useful to get some common vocabulary and phrases under your belt. Focus on words or expressions that are likely to come up in everyday conversation. 

Familiarize yourself with the Russian alphabet.

Russian is written in an alphabet called Cyrillic, which is quite different from the Latin alphabet used to write English and many other European languages. If you’re not familiar with the Cyrillic alphabet, you’ll have to learn it in order to read and write Russian.

Study the basics of grammar. 

Much like English, Russian words can be divided up into a variety of different types or “parts of speech.” These include nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and pronouns. However, these parts of speech may behave in ways that are quite different from what you are used to.

Set aside a specific time to study each day. 

If you’re taking a formal class or working with a tutor, you’ll probably already have a set class schedule a few days a week. To really reinforce what you’re learning, though, it’s important to also study on your own. Set aside some time every dayQuiz yourself to retain your knowledge better. Testing yourself is not only a great way to review the material, but it can also help you pinpoint areas where you need to improve your knowledge and understanding.

If you can you must try immersion programs, people swear by, if you want to become fluent. 

If you’re serious about becoming fluent in Russian, an immersion program may be your best bet. Immersion-style learning can help you learn the language on a deeper level and retain it longer than other approaches, even if you go for a while without using the language afterwards.

If you wish to learn any regional or foreign language right from the basics or even its advanced level, Multibhashi Language Learning Sessions are an excellent solution.