Unfortunately there’s no secret, single way to learn Russian. Personally I wish I could just insert a computer chip into my brain and download the whole language! .. but until then we just have to do it the old fashioned hard way.

And the answer, as you’ve probably already guessed, is a combination of methods. Not only does a combination help the memory encoding process, but it also keeps you interested and motivated, which is essential since learning any language takes years.

If you’re half Russian does that mean you already know the alphabet? If not, get a Russian teacher at the beginning to teach you the basics of pronunciation .. otherwise you’ll have to ‘unlearn’ heaps of stuff down the track.

Once you have the basics under control, you need to start keeping your own notes on vocabulary, grammar, and syntax (the structure of sentences, which is often different to English).

Buy some basic Russian books (email me if you want suggestions); it’s essential to have a good dictionary .. and translation software such as PROMT and ABBYY Lingvo helps immensely all through your studies.

Next, visit all the free websites on the net; sign yourself up at mail.ru (Moy Mir) and vkontakte.ru (Russian equivalent of Facebook) .. and start learning by interacting with Russians. Learn words and phrases which are useful to you, while constantly revising and making notes on grammar.

Practice with your Russian friends as much as possible. Focus on your interests and use them to help you learn (for example, if you have an interest in fashion, get a Russian fashion magazine and try to learn new words and phrases, and try to understand the specific grammar rules they use).

If your friends are too busy to teach, try enrolling in a skype language exchange program with a Russian who wants to learn English – there’s many of these services on the net.

Also take a Russian class at an adult education centre if one’s available – they are good for the social aspect, plus you’ll realise that other people have trouble with Russian as well! (if you only mix with native speakers it can make you feel demoralised)

oodachi!!

Jonathon.

How well you learn a new language will depend on how much effort you put into it.

The method that is best for you depends on you as well. If you are very goal oriented, self-study with books, recordings, or computer programs may work for you. Computer programs can be great, but it is easier to carry a book around.

If you need a bit more structure, find a teacher.

You don’t have to pick just one method.

The most important thing, no matter how you build grammar and vocabulary, is to practice. Every time you learn something, try to use it. Speak with other students or, even better, with native Russian speakers.

As your first answerer mentioned, Russia is a good place to find people to practice with. Unfortunately, you might also find that so many people are trying to study English that it might be easy to slip into teacher mode instead of learner mode.

Good luck!