Language Classes

Ever since I came to Russia (September 2010), I’ve been taking Russian language classes. My course is what my university considers somewhat of a preparation course and the main goal is that we learn the basics of Russian. We have classes in grammar, writing, listening, reading and speaking. It is mainly for foreigners who want their language to be good enough to live in Russia or as preparation to enter university level classes. We don’t really have exams and not as much homework as what a typical college student would have. It is pretty much on a pass/fail basis or basically “as long as you pay, we’ll keep teaching you.” Right now, I’m in classes for eighteen hours a week. With all the holidays Russia seems to have and all the different things that come up with teachers having a conference etc. it usually ends up being a few hours less. It’s not a lot of time but sometimes I really do feel like it’s a lot of my time! Going to school is definitely a big part of my life here.

I go to class to learn the language so that I’ more effective in communicating with others. Being a student also makes it possible for me to receive a student visa. I’ve been a pretty serious student and generally try my best. I know that sounds good but sometimes I actually struggle with that. Should I be spending this much time in class when there are so many other things to be doing here, relationships to be forming etc.? When all the other students are in their late teens/early twenties sometimes I feel like I’m wasting my time and I stand out as the “older” student. When I have brought this to God, I feel like He has shown me that being in class is a time to build relationships as well. And that seriously learning the language and keeping a good reputation with the university may even open up doors in the future.

For one, I’ve been able to build relationships with my teachers. In the beginning especially, speaking Russian with my teachers was the only place I felt “safe” to speak. I knew they were professionals at understanding choppy, broken speech and they wouldn’t laugh at me. Because they want us to practice speaking, we speak about a variety of topics and in the process learn a lot about each other. They also clue us in on Russian culture in general.

Most of the other students are Chinese. I have especially become friends with two of the girls. I feel like we understand each other because we are all foreigners here. One of my friends speaks English very well too so of course it’s nice speaking English with her sometimes! We have even been spending time outside of class; at English class, with friends from church etc.

This past semester there has been a girl in my classes from Azerbaijan (a small country bordering both Russia and Iran and I think is considered the Middle East). She is a sweet girl and is Muslim. I know it might seem that a Muslim and a Christian might not have a lot in common but the interesting thing is that we have been able to relate in certain ways. We both don’t really drink and in Russia that becomes obvious pretty quick. Her family is very traditional and places a lot of value on children and spending time with family. So through some of our similarities we’ve actually been able to speak to each other, in our grammatically incorrect Russian, about our faith.

I don't usually think to take pictures during class but here is a photo from last fall when my class went to a museum.

Also, I just wanted to add that I generally share some of my thoughts and fun stuff on my blog. Once a month I also send out a newsletter with more specifics about my life here in Chita. If you'd like to receive that just email me at katrina.yoder@yahoo.com