In honor of осення хандра (fall melancholy), me and my language scholar had a quick yet inspiring discussion on the aforementioned word. You see, the word “хандра” is quite unique in its translation simply for the fact that there’s none.
Continue reading “Как сказать “…”?”Turkisms in Russian
Russian – the strong and mighty language – has an estimated range of 150.000 to 500.000 words (depending on what is counted). And many of them sound challenging, some might sound “harsh” while others don’t sound like Russian at all.
It’s because they’re not!
Continue reading “Turkisms in Russian”Is Duolingo really worth it?
To preface this post, no, the Lang Lab team is NOT urging you to delete the beloved owl app!
Continue reading “Is Duolingo really worth it?”What’s in the Language?
There’s a prevailing idea that Languages — unlike Chemistry, Economics or Anthropology — can be self-taught without having to sign up for classes or immersion programs.
To what extent is it true? While self-teach apps like Duolingo made a lingua-revolution in the language learning sphere, taking a class specifically dedicated to acquiring a new language has its hidden perks that not many know of.
Continue reading “What’s in the Language?”Love is in the air…. and in the Lang Lab!
Stop by the Language Lab to make friendship bracelets, press flowers (in language dictionaries!), and enjoy sweet snacks!
When? Wednesday, February 12th at 6-8 pm
Where? Library 33 (Lower Library Level)
Tomorrow is the last day of drop-in tutoring!
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!
Non-trivial way to improve your Russian and make everybody believe you’re a native speaker (sort of….)
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.
Continue reading “Non-trivial way to improve your Russian and make everybody believe you’re a native speaker (sort of….)”Sing all you can! (and a little extra)
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!
When? NOVEMBER 20, at 6 – 8 PM
Where? LIBRARY, LANGUAGE LAB (LIBRARY 33)
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!
When? NOVEMBER 19 at 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Where? GRAY CAMPUS CENTER, COMMONS
They play spoons in Vermont?…
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?…”Meet Miriam! (or Masha)
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!