Where Progress is Made

 I feel I have come back full circle. I have decided that I want to continue with learning Russian, despite what I wrote in my last post. Why stop and quit now when things are progressing? Is it just because novelty is more exciting and engaging? What are my true goals and interests? These are some of the questions I've been asking myself. 

I do think and believe that Russian is a strong interest- and I want to get better at the language and speaking. And this could also lead to more speaking videos. 

I read in the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear about building good habits and creating a system for this. He says, "The only way to become excellent is to be endlessly fascinated by doing the same thing over and over. You have to fall in love with boredom." 

I usually have a high tolerance for things, but somehow boredom can get in that way and lead you to want to do something else. I really resonated with this quote since I found myself (my dilemma) in it. To keep doing the same thing- that's where the growth lies and where progress is made! 

Photo credit: Google/ Achievement

Finding Russian Again

 I haven't thought about Russian for a while. I also haven't studied Russian in a long time! I'm not sure if my passion and interest have shifted, or if it's just a season. I know that I have enjoyed learning Russian, and just when I felt like things were progressing and clicking (months ago now), I was taking a step back, got busy, distracted and didn't make it a real effort. to keep studying.

I find this common with language learning. It's difficult to make it a ritual, a regular habit, a wanting and desiring to cultivate in the schedule. It's easy to become excited at first, but then neglect your ideas and plans.

Maybe it's trying to find the new vigor and attitude and habits. Because I know there is still an interest, a potential spark with Russian. I have a good Russian study book, and a few other resources, as well as lots of resources online. I still think it's a beautiful language, though complex, but useful.

But...

My mind goes to other things, other languages I need. I've been slowly learning Korean, and have thought about other languages, like even relearning Hebrew, or other languages. Ahh so many ideas and thoughts that lead to distractions but cultivate to inspiration. 

I would like to continue with this blog for more content related to Russian. Da! 

Russian Look Back

 I was thinking recently how last summer I restarted to learn Russian. I was reviewing the alphabet on a bench near the beach with a beautiful look out. Now it's already been a year! This year has (mostly) been dedicated to learning Russian and here are some things that I have done along the way.

1) Learn how to read and pronounce Russian words. (This is the 3rd time attempting to learn Russian, and it finally clicked with the alphabet)

2) Did a daily language challenge in August, with reviewing and studying every day for 15-20 mins.

3) Got a Russian language partner in the beginning of the year.

4) Wrote a Russian Word of the Day on the whiteboard in my classroom throughout the school year.

5) Read some of the book Sovietstan, and Animal Farm (want to continue with these).

6) Made videos for Russian language

And there is more to come! :)

Russian Inspiration and Learning

 Coffee place. I was at a coffee shop this morning and afternoon- but it wasn't for Russian studies. It was for my Library Studies, and it took the whole time I was there! 

I am proud of myself though for getting a language partner and so far, have had 3 'conversations'. She speaks in English, and I attempt in Russian. It doesn't come easily, since my vocab is limited. But I still love it- the challenge, the language, and getting a bit out of my comfort zone. 

Tomorrow, I will just read from my textbook and work on pronunciation with my conversation partner.

I also love learning more about the culture, and the very diverse culture of Russia. There is so much to learn and discover. 

One of the You tube channels I enjoy watching and learn from on occasion is Eli from Russia. She travels to obscure and unique places throughout Russia and border countries. 

This inspires me, and I keep these things and ideas in my head, to keep up the motivation and learning!!

Christmas in Russian

 I learned the word for Merry Christmas in Russian today. I guess I never knew it before! One way to say it is- C POzhdecTBOM. In pronunciation letters its s rah- zh -dec -st -vohm. I need to keep practicing on the pronunciation. 

So Merry Christmas!!

Keeping up with Russian Study

 I thought of ways to continue learning Russian. Language learning has its ebbs and flows. And I find that different environments really help with the inspiration of continuing to do so. Unfortunately, however, being sick doesn't really help with that- if anything at all to study, staying motivated and excited.

I'm so looking forward to getting back into regular life and study!

A little over a week ago, I thought of signing up for a language exchange website to practice with a Russian speaker. I have barely touched the website since I've been sick- but now I have so many messages to choose from or write back to. Hopefully, I can get the ball rolling soon.

I was inspired and encouraged by a section in a book I was reading. 

"Some people are already studying German, Japanese, and other languages, but no one is studying Russian. If you like, you could study Russian." 

Language Story: Book книга

 I knew I had to look at the language section when I stopped by Half Price Books on my way home from work. I don't go to bookstores on a regular basis, but when I do, I always enjoy browsing through the language section. I went to this bookstore back in the summer when I had a gift card (the best) and purchased a Russian language book that has been so helpful in my studying. 

I was looking through other language books- just for fun. And came across a German language book, and it looked easy to use and learn from. A year ago, at this time, I was studying German. I thought if I should buy it since I'm not currently learning the language. But, since it was so affordable and easy to learn from, I thought why not?

 I also considered the thought that what of I was abandoning my Russian language studies for buying this book? I know the word for book in Russian- книга, and book in German is buch, Arabic is kitab...you get the idea. Don't worry, I am not about to switch languages just yet perhaps continue learning another one stimulatingly but not abandon altogether (hopefully).

Not the actual book (buch)

Privet Russian Bear!