📚Extensive listening and reading are crucial for language learning, regardless of the language's complexity.
🎧Utilize learning resources and tools like LingQ to enhance your language learning experience.
📻Listening to radio stations in the target language can improve comprehension and provide cultural insights.
🌍Learning one language can open doors to exploring other languages within the same language family.
💖Passion and curiosity are essential for successful language learning journeys.
How did you overcome the challenges of Russian's complex grammar?
—Instead of focusing on grammar, I immersed myself in extensive listening and reading to get used to the language's patterns naturally. This approach helped me understand and internalize grammar rules.
How did Ekho Moskvy contribute to your Russian learning?
—Ekho Moskvy, a radio station in Moscow, provided daily audio interviews with accompanying text. Listening to these interviews and importing the text into LingQ helped me improve my comprehension and stay updated on Russian current events.
Did learning Russian help you with other Slavic languages?
—Absolutely! Learning Russian gave me a foundation to explore other Slavic languages like Czech, Polish, Ukrainian, and Slovak. Many Slavic languages share similarities in vocabulary and grammar, making it easier to learn new languages within the same language family.
What role did LingQ play in your language learning journey?
—LingQ was a valuable resource for reading and saving words and phrases while learning Russian. It allowed me to create a personalized learning experience and track my progress over time.
What advice do you have for someone learning a new language?
—Find ways to immerse yourself in the language through extensive listening, reading, and exposure to authentic content. Embrace your passion, curiosity, and enjoy the journey of discovering a new language and culture.
00:00Introduction: Steve Kaufmann discusses his journey of learning Russian and how it led him to explore other Slavic languages.
02:51Starting with LingQ: Steve describes his initial learning approach using books, audio books, and eventually incorporating LingQ for a more comprehensive learning experience.
06:47Influence of Ekho Moskvy: Steve explains how listening to the radio station helped him improve his listening skills and gain insights into Russian culture and current events.
09:58Russian Learning Progress on LingQ: Steve shares his profile statistics on LingQ, showcasing his progress over time and the accumulation of known words.
12:27Exploring Russian Literature and Movies: Steve talks about reading classic Russian literature and watching movies to improve his language skills and cultural understanding.
13:54Expanding to Other Slavic Languages: Steve explains how learning Russian inspired him to explore Czech, Polish, Ukrainian, and Slovak languages.
14:55Final Thoughts and Advice: Steve emphasizes the importance of extensive listening and reading, using resources like LingQ, and following your passion for successful language learning journeys.
