Question 1

Is Russian Comprehensive right for me?

Accepted Answer

Our courses will be a good fit for you if you're a (complete) beginner looking for a well-structured course that includes paced learning of both grammar and vocabulary, if your goal is mastering the Russian language to a good conversational level, if you're lacking detailed and in-depth explanations, if you're not averse to learning grammar rules, and if you enjoy discovering patterns and "connecting the dots" when learning a language.

These courses might not suit you if you're looking for a quick audio course with commonly used phrases for your upcoming trip to a Russian-speaking country, if you're not looking for a structured course, but rather want to immerse yourself in the language from the very beginning and skip learning grammar rules.

Our courses are aimed at people who are able to dedicate 2-3 hours per week to learning Russian. 
Our usual students are young to middle-aged working adults who are looking to use Russian with friends or family members, those who need it for work purposes or are moving to a Russian-speaking country, and simply admirers of Russian literature, music, and movies who are learning Russian as a challenge or for their personal enrichment.

Question 2

What can I learn with Russian Comprehensive?

Accepted Answer

Russian Comprehensive mainly focuses on Russian for Beginners. The lessons combine learning grammar in small digestible chunks together with vocabulary, as well as cultural bits. All the courses will guide you through the process of understanding and building simple to more advanced phrases.

After learning the Alphabet and learning to read Russian, which is essential to progress efficiently, you’ll start making your very first phrases.
Learning Russian with Russian Comprehensive is based on simple and clear explanations, spaced repetition, and going through small feasible challenges, one at a time. 
This way, you keep your motivation going, don’t get overwhelmed, and follow a clear learning path.

You can learn the basics of grammar, phonetics, and reading; learn to speak Russian on various day-to-day topics; and write in block letters or in cursive.

You can practice speaking and listening and get feedback.

If you're starting from scratch, we'd highly recommend that you start with Module 1, which will guide you from learning the Alphabet, through learning to read Russian and your very first phrases, including introducing yourself and other people. You also have a choice of studying on your own or with a teacher, taking a paid course or following free lessons on YouTube.

Question 3

What's the Best Way to learn Russian?

Accepted Answer

Buckle up! You're about to find out what the best way to learn Russian is.

The question is, for whom?

I'm sorry to have misled you, but it's solely the path of trial and error. 
And you have to get to the answer on your own.
There isn't just one best way to learn a language that would fit us all. It will depend on so many factors and personal traits and preferences.

You might be better off learning alone or in a group; using conventional or innovative methods; studying online or at your local facility. Our ability to understand and process new information, memorize new material, adopt and implement new ideas, highly differs and depends on so many factors, including our age, our previous experience of learning languages, our motivation, and our mental abilities.

We just have to try different ways of learning the language and find out which one will suit us best (at this point in time).

But what's confirmed is that any learning path you already follow is better than waiting to find an ideal one. Any imperfect course or teacher would be better than doing nothing at all. 
When learning a language, no matter the way you choose, try to focus on your progress, as little as it might seem, rather than what you think you might be lacking. Any learning experience will get you closer to finding a better way of learning Russian. Any progress counts; any effort gets you a little closer to your goal of speaking the language.

You have to trust the process. 
There's a Russian saying, водА кАмень тОчит (water wears away a stone), meaning that consistent, small actions can overcome large obstacles.

You'll get there, and then you'll be able to tell others what the best way to learn Russian is (for you).

Question 4

How can I start learning Russian?

Accepted Answer

I'd strongly suggest that you start with learning the Russian alphabet and then move on to reading Russian. 
Even though some newcomers are trying to skip that, learning to read Russian commonly takes surprisingly little time and makes further learning easier and way more productive. 
 
You can start learning for free here, or enroll yourself in the paid course here. 
The basic knowledge is the same; the difference is that the paid course offers you more exercises to practice.

Your future self will definitely be grateful!

And here, you can learn more about different ways to learn a language and how to choose one.

Question 5

How long does it take to learn Russian?

Accepted Answer

Here's an article on how long (how many hours of structured learning) it takes on average to reach each language level.

Still, consider it approximate, as it largely depends on what your mother tongue is, how many languages you speak so far, your overall exposure to languages, your age, memory, goal, and motivation.

It will take less time for you to start taking part in simple daily conversations than to prepare for a test.

From my experience, the French are among the fastest to learn Russian, as we have quite a few similarities in grammar, while people from Japan might find the Russian phonetics challenging.

Question 6

What course should I choose?

Accepted Answer

If you're starting from scratch, or you've learned some vocabulary here and there and a couple of grammar rules, I'd suggest starting with Module 1. This way, you'll make sure you don't have any gaps in knowledge. 
In case you're familiar with certain ideas and rules, you'll just progress through the course faster, having polished your skills.

If you can participate in a simple Russian conversation, you've covered the basic grammar rules, but you feel you're lacking vocabulary or need to practice speaking, you can join our Conversation Practice.

If you have a specific grammar point you'd like to cover, you're welcome to join our Grammar Sessions.

You can also mention the topics you're interested in by filling out the Get in Touch form below.

Question 7

How can I test my Russian level?

Accepted Answer

Russian Comprehensive offers a quick language test to assess your current proficiency level in Russian.

You can also find an example of the official TRKI test for the 1st uncertified level. You can learn more about this test, as well as take it here.

Question 8

How do I know if I'm reading Russian correctly?

Accepted Answer

Learning to read Russian is pretty straightforward and usually takes a couple of weeks. After learning a few basic rules, you'll be able to tell if you're pronouncing the word correctly. Learning to read Russian is essential because it eliminates the need to constantly hear someone pronounce the words.

I have a set of basic Russian reading rules over here, and simply following them will allow you to read Russian correctly.

Google Translate audio is another reliable tool in case you still want to double-check yourself.

You can also take a paid interactive course for reading Russian or book a private lesson with me if you need help.

Question 9

How can I practice speaking Russian?

Accepted Answer

First of all, you're very welcome to join our Russian speaking classes. They are divided by topics and led by a teacher. The groups are limited to 3-5 people.

You can also find Russian-speaking partners at language exchange websites, such as https://www.conversationexchange.com/. (https://www.conversationexchange.com/.)

Check out your local language exchange meet-ups; you can find them on Facebook and other social networks.

You might think that others are lucky to have Russian-speaking friends and family, but what if I told you that many of those people feel too embarrassed to speak Russian to them!

So, when you choose a free language exchange, my first advice would be, don't overthink it. Most Russian speakers would be genuinely impressed with your skills, even if they are humble.

Secondly, opt for 3+ people in a conversation if possible. This way, you won't feel rushed to come up with a phrase, and you'll have more time to absorb what's being said and plan out what you're going to say. You will make fewer mistakes and have a more positive overall experience.

If you choose a free one-on-one language exchange with a native speaker, be prepared to take the lead role. Consider what you'll be discussing in advance, choose a topic, and prepare a list of statements.

Question 10

How can I practice my Russian listening skills?

Accepted Answer

Practicing listening skills is essential in any language learning. 
Not only does it improve your ability to understand spoken speech, but it also helps your own speaking! Listening to Russian lets you get used to the way regular people talk and adopt it.

I highly recommend you create background noise in Russian, at least for some time during the day. It shouldn't demand a lot of your attention. Just choose a general topic you're into, and search for videos on it in Russian. Don't try to understand every word, as the focus is on developing your listening skills, not the vocabulary. You might not understand anything at first, but later you'll notice that your ears adapt, and you start hearing familiar words and phrases. Again, the main focus here is to enhance your listening comprehension, not to necessarily expand your vocabulary.
For instance, here are some videos on traveling in Russia.(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL88M5we3dJR2JCJ-FRp-XQ8Ppyk7qW-bx) And here's even more!(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8z1azVphgX0oLbwe4qgk559GXik5i3uI) You can have them on while making dinner or cleaning the room.

If you're looking for simpler videos made specifically for beginner Russian learners, you can find them here,(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpgpVaWoAiTHlNNR9cZDW_wSfBzbwwihL) or here.(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40OiiJw6-gdhFSbnnq4V8Lu_iBu5L7TF)

Question 11

How can I access additional study materials on Russian Comprehensive?

Accepted Answer

You can access additional study materials on Russian Comprehensive by exploring our resource library (coming soon!), which includes grammar guides, vocabulary lists, interactive exercises, and cultural insights to supplement your language learning journey.

Question 12

Can you suggest Russian movies or shows to watch, and Russian music to listen to?

Accepted Answer

Sure!

Here are some well-known Russian songs from the past.(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpgpVaWoAiTFA1YosJQit21lz0MGiG5wX)

Here's a list of famous Russian Rock songs.(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpgpVaWoAiTGhpt3Tq2p8yuPpoqr4Goez)

Here, you can watch a show called "Орёл и решка" ("Heads and Tails"),(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs0ByhrXWG5qz7KEwUQYgQQjrj_7Gcioa) the season where the hosts of the show go "back to the USSR".

Here, you'll find Russian cartoons.(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpgpVaWoAiTElquopeuz25cPrRieIdMIb)

And here, you can watch Russian movies on YouTube ((https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpgpVaWoAiTE4We57BOPxBP03VyWXKKWn)unfortunately, many of them get blocked).

If you're into short episodes of romcoms, here's my overview of some fun Russian TV-shows to watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljPOIAby6LY

Question 13

Why do people choose to learn Russian?

Accepted Answer

Russian might not be the easiest language to learn, and still, tons of people opt to do that. Be it for friends and family reasons, or just as a challenge.
Here, I cover my students' most common reasons for why they are learning Russian (and you'll also find out how to say them in Russian):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEjTY9pYB6k

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