(no subject)

[oatmealia.livejournal.com]

I recently made a friend in my department who has offered to tutor me in Russian. I'm completely self-taught and would probably be somewhere in the middle of my first semester of Beginning Russian if I were in a formal class. I own a couple of textbooks (which I'm working through) and tapes, as well as a dictionary, but I don't really know where to start. What is the best way to make use of a fluent language tutor when you're beginning Russian?

crossposted to linguaphiles.

Comments

[typecastings.livejournal.com]

Definitely engage in conversation. I know it is basic, but that is practical and you make use of what you learn into everyday use of Russian. Such conversations are like -- how are you, what did you today, where did your parents grow up, what will you eat for dinner tonight, what kind of music do you listen to -- both of you can ask and answer the questions back and forth while your tutor will correct your use of Russian.

I had a tutor for some time while I took Russian because I wanted to enhance my Slavic language background before I studied in Central Europe. First, she helped me review the handouts/homework I may have from class, then read poems/stories, then the rest of the time was conversation. Reading also helps tremendously to make sure you are comprehending and pronouncing correctly and fluently. You also get a sneak-peak of Russian culture with the stories, too.

Hope this gives you an idea of what to do with your tutor. Best.