LANGUAGE
Why You Must Learn the Russian Language
What comes to mind when you read the following words:
Red Square.
Grand Kremlin Palace.
Swan Lake.
Beef Stroganoff.
Okay, the last one might be a tad too obvious. In any case, these are some of the most beautiful creations that have propelled Russia to great renown among sophisticated societies. Indubitably, millions of locals and tourists have flocked to the Red Square and the Grand Kremlin Palace, providing the Russian economy something to look forward to every year. And I am willing to bet that thousands have tried to enjoy a dish of Beef Stroganoff while listening to Swan Lake.
These Russian masterpieces have become widely acclaimed all around the globe; however, there is one thing that is not as popular to the world but remains indispensable to the lives of Russians.
The Russian language.
As impressive as it is to know multiple languages, choosing to learn how to read and speak in Russian first might be the edge you need to benefit from the increasing socioeconomic impact of Russia or merely to order the best blini for your Russian date.
The Russian Language is Easier to Master Than You Thought
It is all right to feel daunted by the seemingly countless words and phrases in Russian dictionaries, especially with how different the Russian alphabet is from the English alphabet and how intonations in speaking Russian make it sound harsh and thick.
Nevertheless, the Russian language might be one of the simpler languages of the world since all letters in the Russian alphabet sound the same way, respectively. For instance, you can sometimes read the letters C and K the same way in the English alphabet (e.g., cite and kite sound different, but curb and Kirby sound the same), but the Russian language does not contradict itself like that.
Many Russians Do Not Feel the Need to Learn English
Although Russian schools and colleges include the English language in their curriculums, the Russian government does not entirely recognize it as compulsory. Russians are not obliged to make time to learn the English language, which is evident in their relatively low ranking in the international EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) and the moderate number of English-speaking natives.
Moreover, Russians feel that foreign guests must use the Russian language when in Russia. They believe that you should adjust to them and not them to you.
Russia is Overflowing with People to Meet and Places to Explore
Russia is inarguably the largest country in the modern world. It has vast plains and winding cityscapes that span over nine time zones. And with over 146 million inhabitants, don’t be surprised to meet someone special who could bring you to places that are not on your typical Russian traveler’s map.
Also, knowing the fundamentals of the Russian language may help you find your place among the locals and unravel the authentic Russian culture.
You Get to Appreciate Russian Art, Culture, and History Better
From Leo Tolstoy to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, you get to discover and understand more about Russian literature, classical music, and theater arts, as well as the heartfelt intent of Russian geniuses in their original language. Furthermore, you could gain insight into why the Russian culture and history are the way they are.
Scholars and wanderlusts alike have no excuse to skip learning the Russian language. Who knows? Maybe you might even end up with a sweet, caring Russian love interest just by knowing how to communicate in Russian.
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