Learning with Audio

[thevoiceofnick.livejournal.com]

I've been trying to learn Russian for a couple of years now, since my girlfriend is Russian. I've taken a couple of classes and they've worked well for me. The thing is, I don't really have time to take a class again, so i've been considering alternate routes to take.

The one I think might work best for me is to learn with audio cassettes or CDs. I actually have a couple of tape packs: Barron's Russian On The Go, and Berlitz's Russian Cassette Pack. These are both very basic, and I might want something more advanced. Can anyone recommend a system with more cassettes or CDs?

Coincidentally, I've been thinking of getting an iPod to put all of the Russian CDs into MP3s and take them all to go. The thing is I can't afford an iPod, but I found a place that gives them away for free. You can check it out here if you're interested.

Please help and give me your advice on what system I should choose. Thanks!

Comments

[vladon.livejournal.com]

better you should talk with your Russian girlfriend in Russian every day. that's better practice.

[wingxnut18.livejournal.com]

Agreed. I'm in a similar boat. Rather than attempt to learn on your own, you should go with an expert. Learn her dialect and slang, expecially if you're learning the language for her or because of her.

[thevoiceofnick.livejournal.com]

Haha! That would work, except she's not really a good teacher. She never really talks to me in Russian. The closest I get is when I go to her house and her parents speak to her or to each other in Russian. I need something more formal to teach me things step by step.

[vladon.livejournal.com]

the best way to learn a language is to do it in everyday conversations with native speakers. even in chat!

[luls.livejournal.com]

there is another wonderful way to learn languages - just listen to russian songs and simultaneously read lyrics

убьете двух воробьев сразу :)

by the way, how should I say it in english? :))

[thevoiceofnick.livejournal.com]

I think that's like killing two birds with one stone!

I actually like listening to Света and Жасмин... I bought their CDs from eBay and listen to them often. I already know the words to the songs, but I don't know what they mean. My girlfriend also says that the words are in very wierd tenses in the songs...

[squodge.livejournal.com]

You might like to consider listening to Internet Radio, if you have a fast internet connection. Windows Media Player and RealOne Player both have radio functions, and there are about 10 Russian radio channels that you can stream. I listen to them one in a while just to get used to the sound of Russian.

As for courses with lots of audio, the only one is Pimsleur Russian, but the level would be way too low for you. Plus, they teach you how to say things in a very weird way.

- squodge -

[thevoiceofnick.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try to find some of those radio stations!

[rachberk.livejournal.com]

I actually just signed up for a free 20GB iPod on that website. I'll let you know if it works, and if I get junked or ripped off for thousands of dollars, I'll find you. Haha. No, actually good luck with your studies!

[thevoiceofnick.livejournal.com]

Thank you, and thank you for trying out the website.

[rachberk.livejournal.com]

Yeah, about that. It's a huge hassle. You have to sign up for an offer with your credit card (eep!) and then get five of your friends to do the same, as well as get five of their friends to do it. So you can't get your iPod until your five friends and each of their five friends has completed the offer, which, if you sort of count down, makes it virtually impossible to get one. What's more, the mission statement on the website says that they don't have an obligation to count your friends as your friends when they sign up, they may void an offer at any time, and they don't need to send you what you won. DON'T DO IT!