Someone help me

[Bendshoemaker]

I am looking for someone to help me learn the russian language. I am trying to learn it on my own but it is very hard to learn when you don't know anyone who speaks or writes Russian. I would preffer someone who currently lives in Russia.

[Andrey_Z]

Excuse my asking you, I just always wonder why some people get interested in studying Russian.
So what is your interest in it?

[Bendshoemaker]

my interest are in the entire russian culture. I love to study history and love to learn anything and everything about a lot of differnt places. I am also very interested in maybe one day relocating to russia.

[Voyager13b]

Bendshoemaker,

You have made several posts around this board of your distate for America (your home), and how you would like to relocate to Russia. I also gather from your posts that you are seeking information about Russian culture, and Russian language, as you don't seem to have any real understanding or first hand experience with either one. You also asked "how Russians view Americans", which once again points to the apparent fact that you really don't have a clue about Russia or Russians.

I'm not picking on you here, but it seems that if you really hate the place where you currently live, it would be prudent to have at least visited another country before you declare that that country is where you hope to settle.

In the case of Russia, I suspect that you don't have a clue about life there at the present time. Russia is an awesome country. It is also a country in transition, and is not (by any means) a welcoming utopia for disenchanted westerners who cling to the historical image of the Soviet Union.

I applaud your desire to learn the language and culture of Russia. Both are rewarding courses of study. Russian and English are my favorite languages, even though Spanish, French, and German were the only languages offered in school when I grew up (a cold war mistake).

If you expect to learn a few phrases in Russian, learn some textbook culture, and be welcomed at Sheremetyevo II airport with a brass band, just because you dislike the country you were born in, forget it.

I love the USA, and I also love Russia (for reasons that you would never figure out at this point in time), but I can assure you that you should do several things before declaring to the world that your dream is to relocate to Russia. First, visit the place. It is a huge country, and touring Russia is not like traveling from state to state here. Visit and see for yourself. Second, learn the language. You cannot expect to understand Russia or Russians if you cannot understand their language. Don't argue this point. Accept it, as it is true. If you set your mind on moving to Russia before you ever visited the place, or learned a single Russian expression, you are deluding yourself, and insulting the Russian people to boot.

Third, visit the country again. And again. And again. Make friends there, and keep in touch. Read the various Russian news mags, listen to internet radio broadcasts in Russian, and learn the politics of the community you wish to move to.

Unless you are talking for effect (like a Hollywood actor after the elections here in the US), you don't announce your intention to move your life to another country unless you have SPENT ENOUGH TIME THERE to decide that the reality of that place suits you. To declare your intention, and then ask "by the way, what's it like there", is just silly.

Pay your dues, learn the language, learn the country. If you still like the idea of making Russia your home, send me a note, as Russia is my favorite destination, and I'll be happy to visit you there.



Voyager

[Bendshoemaker]

Voyager13b

I do realize the points that you have made and I do not inttend on moving to a country that I know very little about with out learning the language or the culture. After that Then I will visit russia a lot to see if it would suit my taste. I should have been more clear on my plee for help. I was asking for help. The kind of help where people tell me the best books to read and study for updated information about Russia. I am sorry that I did not state that part. To be honest with you I was thinking about moving over to russia but I am not going to move there until i visit multiple times. Also the part where you said that "if I think that I can learn a phrase or two and go over there and have everyone like me because I dislike the u.s...." If I did that then I would be the thing that I hate most about most americans. Arrogant. I am in no way argueing with you nor trying to rip on you in anyway. I just thought that I would explain myself. I thank you for you feedback and advice.

If you know of a few web sites, books, ect. that will help me learn about present day Russia I would be very gratefull. If you or anyone who reads wants to email me any information about the culture and language please feel free to do so. bendshoemaker@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Ben

[soontoberussian]

what i mean by the dues, is i have been ridiculed by everyone for wanting to move to the best country in the world, i am ready to leave in may 2006 when i get the money saved up, but dont have a host family to live with yet, you seem very cool, and smart, i think we can get along. well post a new message when you get this