Chapter 12 - Russian Language

"Oocheetsa neekagda nye pozdna" ("It is never to late to learn")!

This chapter is an introduction to the beautiful and rich Russian language.

Please don't let the foreign-looking alphabet scare you! The language is not as difficult as you may think, and it is well worth learning at least the basics (preferably before your move) and then continuing your Russian lessons once you have settled into your new home in Moscow.

Another helpful way of learning Russian is to find friends who do not speak English (or your native language) - try talking to sales people in shops and on the street, say "good morning" to your neighbors, attend events where you have to speak Russian. Don't take the easy way out - by avoiding the language, you will miss out on so many interesting things...

Along with essential background information on the Russian language itself, this chapter has a lot of vocabulary sections that you may find helpful to cope with daily life (many other vocabulary sections are provided in various other chapters).

Lastly, at the end of the chapter you will find a list of Russian language schools in Moscow that offer individual and group lessons and that have been working with foreigners for many years..

You can download a pdf file with the Russian alphabet here. It may help to carry this with you so that you can decipher words and phrases you may encounter while you're out and about.