Russian, But Make It Fun – Learn the Real Language from a Native Speaker!

Find out more about Alexandra

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I speak Russian fluently because it's the language my world was built on. It's a beautiful part of my origins and heritage - it's the soundtrack of my childhood, the language of my family, our stories and traditions. I teach Russian because it's a challenge that demands curiosity, patience, and bravery. It's full of contradictions and surprises. I didn't start teaching it because it's easy. I teach it because it pushes you to embrace uncertainty and think in new ways.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I think the Matryoshka doll is a perfect representation of Russian culture. It's not really a person or a fictional character, but it captures the essence of Russian culture. On the surface it looks simple, but as you peel back each layer, you uncover something deeper. It's like the Russian language - what you see isn't all there is. You have to keep peeling back layers to fully understand what's at the heart.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  One Russian tradition I really enjoy is Ivan Kupala Night. It happens on the night of July 6th to 7th and it's all about dancing around bonfires, singing, and jumping over the flames for good luck. The most magical part is the legend of the fern flower, which is believed to bring happiness if you find it. It's a perfect mix of fun, folklore and a bit of mystery.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Russian matters to me as it is like having a key to a whole new world, to culture, humor, and a different way of thinking. I love teaching it because every lesson is a chance to share this experience in a fun and engaging way.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  In my opinion, the biggest challenge in learning Russian is mastering its grammar - cases, verb aspects and exceptions can feel overwhelming at first. But the key to making it easier is consistency, immersion and, of course, a bit of fun! Engaging with the language daily is a key - through music, movies, and real conversations.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  Back in school, we had this fun language class where we had to memorize and recite a tongue-twister in English. I was so focused on getting it right, but when it was my turn, I completely mixed up all the words. Everyone burst out laughing, including me. I was feeling a bit embarrassed, but a bit later I realized it was just part of the learning process. Now, when I teach, I always remind my students that making mistakes is a funny and important part of learning a new language!

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Traveling improved my language skills by forcing me into real-life situations. Ordering food, asking for directions, and talking to locals showed me that language is best learned through experience, not just textbooks. Traveling experience made me appreciate how much more effective learning is when you're actually using the language in everyday situations.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  Being a native speaker with a teaching degree, I focus on making lessons feel relaxed and enjoyable. I believe language learning should be about real connections, not just memorization. It's always a great feeling to see my students improve at their own pace - learning should be about progress, not perfection.