I wanted to write this post partly in response to a video I watched recently and also because it encompasses many thoughts I've had over the last 3-4 months of learning Russian.
Recently I watched a video, which you can find here, that featured a Russian language teacher who shared her thoughts on the declining popularity of the Russian language and how she, as a teacher, had to reflect on her career.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the image of Russia and all things Russian has been changed. I can't help but notice an unease on the part of Russian language learners, especially when asked the question, why are you learning Russian? I myself have felt this unease. Why am I learning Russian? It's not as if I can jump on an aeroplane to Moscow from the UK and the language isn't a necessity for my work. So, why am I learning Russian? And how easily can I use Russian outside of Russia's borders?
I recently visited Estonia, specifically the capital Tallinn. It's a beautiful city with shades of Hanseatic styles and soviet-era buildings. But what I did notice was the sound of the Russian language wherever I went. Of course, due to Estonia's location, nestled on the border to Russia, it's unsurprising that there is a large population of Russian speakers. This fact was a great help to me, as someone who has been learning Russian for the last few months! But I still couldn't shake off the feeling of discomfort when approaching a person in the Russian language.
I don't want this post to appear like a Russophobic tangent. I simply want to share the thoughts I have had over the last few months. I am certain that I am not alone and I would like to know the thoughts of others.
I've concluded that the reason I am learning Russian is because of my love of the language and because I have met and know many Russians who are great people with interesting stories to tell.
Please let me know your thoughts below.
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