Lang Labbies are here to remind you that tomorrow is the last day of drop-in tutoring for Fall2024 semester!
We would highly recommend to take advantage of these last 2 days if you have any questions/practice tests/problems and come by even if you don’t!
It’s never been a secret — Russian is notoriously challenging, filled with confusing conjugations and challenging slang that leaves even the most experienced learners crying, screaming and pulling their hair.
But you don’t have to jump straight into banging your head with a thick Oxford dictionary — there are multiple easy – perhaps even childish – ways to upgrade your Russian skills.
Watching cartoons in Russian is a great way to advance those basic level speaking and comprehension skills if you’re a beginner and just starting your journey. It’s helpful to start with a form of media that incorporates straightforward, simple phrases that are yet widely used in a day-to-day speech of native speakers. For me, Soviet Winnie the Pooh is perhaps one of the first cartoon I became familiar with — it’s an easy-going, kind and relaxing animation filled with witty comedy that will help you to accustom yourself to basic-level phrases, and pronunciation.
Leaving a link for everyone interested!
If you’re like me, you understand the frustration of finding a really-really good fan fiction after hours of scrolling only to discover it’s in a language you don’t understand. How about we use it to our advantage? Go to your favorite fan fiction website and search up anything related to your favorite fandom. It’s a slightly more advanced technique than the one described above — as fan fiction are mostly written by native speakers, you might find yourself learning new slang or word order that you never encountered in your formal Russian textbook!
This one is rather self-explanatory — grab some friends, get a scrabble in Russian and learn as you go! A little hint: playing Monopoly in Russian is even funnier and I find it helpful to avoid conflicts typically caused by this infamous game when 80% of those involved are still learning how to curse 😉
Hey there! It’s been a while since we saw each other at the Language Lab. Last Halloween event was truly a blast, so we decided why not gather again? Join us for Multilingual Karaoke Night! Regardless of your language knowledge or singing ability, everyone is welcome to drop by for good music, good food, and good company!
And if you happen to walk around GCC tomorrow, (who doesn’t?) stop by our table to learn more about what the Language Lab is, what LangLabbies do, and what fun language-themed events are on the agenda this semester!
As a way to engage more of our students with language programs at Reed, we will be starting a series of interviews with our dear language tutors. Miriam (or Masha!) has a lot to share about her experience!
There is always a backstory to every language journey. Tell me more about your background and what inspired you to undertake a not-so-easy language like Russian.
Learning languages is my thing,especially being a linguistics major. I started with Hebrew, French, some Spanish and moved on to German. And coming to college I wanted something totally different which was Russian – I loved it, it’s my absolute favorite.
Continue reading “They play spoons in Vermont?…”
Hi and привет! My name is Miriam, and I am a sophomore linguistics major.
I took Russ 111 in the fall of ’23 with Zhenya. As a recent first-year Russian student, I know what is expected and will happily help with homework, practicing conversation, or checking grammar. I look forward to working with you!
LangLabbie note: Drop by the Language Lab to see Miriam’s hours!
Come to me with your conjugation, sentence structure, and proposition woes. I am happy to help you with assignments and concepts or use the time as a conversational hour in French.
My schedule is relatively flexible. Reach out if the displayed times do not work for you.
Labbie note: Holden can assist you in both 100 and 200 level French classes!
Hi there! My name is Nina (she/her), and I am a senior comparative literature major. Learning the Russian language has been the highlight of my Reed experience, but I understand that learning a new language can be a long and difficult process. I am available to help make that process a little easier! I am always happy to practice grammar, writing, and speaking with you. If my schedule doesn’t work for you, please shoot me an email! We can find time outside my available hours.
Привет! Меня зовут Нина (она/её), и я — студентка четвертого курса. Моя специальность — сравнительная литература. Изучение русского языка было самой яркой частью моего опыта в Риде, но я также понимаю что изучение нового языка может быть долгим и трудном процессом. Я готова помочь с трудностями процесса. Я всегда рада практиковать грамматику, письмо, и разговорную речь с вами! Если мое расписание вам не подходит, напишите мне на имейл, и мы найдём другое время встретиться.
Note from a Labbie: Nina tutors for Russian 111, 112, 120 as well as 220. So if you’re thinking about studying Russian or currently in the process – don’t miss out on practicing with Nina and learn from her vast experience!