English classes.

[SuggestiusParticipant 3312]

Russians of my age and about were studying the English language since the 2nd grade. But the only phrases that most of us could say for sure after finishing the school were “London is the capital of Great Britain” and “My name is”. Yes, it’s after 10 years of the language studying.

Probably it could be better to find a big round shield of an Ancient Greek’s warrior before saying this because I’ll need something to get cover myself from mass Tuna slaps. lol
But that was exactly a woman who taught me English from zero. Just a regular half-educated American gal who didn’t even finish a school, waitress, of the age of 23. In 2012 I still could speak fluently enough.
P.S. Sorry, Greg. I wish I could do it like in those days 🙂

Happiness for all and let no one be forgotten ("Roadside picnic", Arkady and Boris Strugatsky)

[Anonymous 43]

I learned Russian studying lessons from a book about a space alien who landed in Russia and had to learn Russian from two children and avoid the spies and scientists from the institute who wanted to capture Zuuzyia the alien.

Dobryia dien, menya zavoot XXXXXX Kak vas zavoot? Dobria dien, menya zavoot XXXXX. Otkuda ti? Ya iz Amerike. Otkyda ti? Ya iz Sovietskova Soyuza. Ochin priyatna. Rad vas vidiets.

ugh, repeating and coming up with rejoinders, practicing with the same 5 people over and over again.

So stupid.

[MonkParticipant 16995]

Suggestius wrote:

But the only phrases that most of us could say for sure after finishing the school were “London is the capital of Great Britain” and “My name is”. Yes, it’s after 10 years of the language studying.

In Britain, it is now common for English children to leave school after 10 years unable to read, write, or even speak their own language properly.

[It’sallbsParticipant]

The way they speak now is often more akin to a patois.

http://www.leavemeansleave.eu

[SuggestiusParticipant 3312]

Anonymous wrote:

I learned Russian studying lessons from a book about a space alien who landed in Russia and had to learn Russian from two children and avoid the spies and scientists from the institute who wanted to capture Zuuzyia the alien.

Looks like a remade CIA guidebook for shot down pilots! 😀
Zuuzyia was really risking. I don’t know if you are familiar with the story, there was the kid Pavlik Morozov who reported on its own father because he had hidden a few sacks of grain from the Soviet authorities.
Anyway, I would mark your Russian as A-. Your textbook worked!

Happiness for all and let no one be forgotten ("Roadside picnic", Arkady and Boris Strugatsky)

[Anonymous 43]

Thank you Suggestius, I worked as a translator for several years. mmm not familiar with that story.

[SuggestiusParticipant 3312]

He was heroized by the Soviet propaganda, but for the people, he was an ass and still is. The modern youth has no an idea about Pavlik Morozov. Gosh, they have no idea even about Lenin! lol

Happiness for all and let no one be forgotten ("Roadside picnic", Arkady and Boris Strugatsky)

[Author]

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