RU
One of the first things students learn to do when they acquire a new foreign language is learn how to talk about themselves. They must be able to give basic personal information in their new language, including their name, age, facts about their family and the country they are from. This is where, as a teacher, you start to understand how rich the diversity of different cultures presented in your classroom is.
As a teacher of Russian as a foreign language, I work with students from lots of countries, including Turkey, Germany, the United Kingdom and South Korea. It is a unique opportunity for me to learn more about different cultures, expanding my knowledge about the world. But how can students benefit from learning Russian in a multicultural school environment?
First of all, learning Russian in such an environment promotes inclusivity by exposing students to perspectives beyond their own. Russian culture is a blend of traditions from diverse ethnic groups within the country, offering a deeper appreciation of multiculturalism itself. Learning the language helps students understand and connect with their peers from Russian-speaking backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.
Russian is spoken by over 258 million people worldwide, making it the most widely spoken Slavic language. It serves as a lingua franca across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and parts of the Arctic. It is no wonder that, being so widely spread across the world, the Russian language has many connections with other languages. This is where the students’ multilingual background helps them understand the new language better. For example, during lessons we often come across the words which are easily recognized by the students from Turkey and Germany.
Russian has a legacy of scientific and artistic achievements that have shaped the world. By learning Russian, students gain direct access to these contributions without relying on translations. Whether it’s reading the works of Chekhov in their original language, studying Russian science or delving into the country’s history, the ability to engage with these topics firsthand fosters deeper cultural appreciation and allows students to build bridges between different cultures. Also, by learning Russian, students position themselves as competitive candidates for careers in international relations, business, journalism and more.
In a world where cultural awareness and global communication are more vital than ever, learning Russian opens doors to new opportunities, perspectives and friendships. It empowers students to thrive in multicultural settings, broadens their horizons and equips them with valuable skills for the future.
Mr Alexey, Russian as an Additional Language Teacher
