Just Russian

…Just learn it!

Russian Christmas

Did you know that Russian Christmas is on January the 7th, because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the old Julian calendar? Here is more about that.

Russian weather: the land of contrasts

Another piece by our brilliant student of Russian Jeff, this time on the subject of Russian weather – an important factor that has influenced the Russian mindset over the centuries.

Moscow – 20 years on

One of our students, a brilliant writer, has kindly contributed an article for us about his impressions of Moscow – 20 years ago, when he first visited the city, and now. How things have changed… So here is what a Londoner says:

Teaching foreign languages in the modern era

As an experienced teacher, I can see the huge changes in the ways of teaching and learning foreign languages in the last 25 years. So, how do the huge breakthroughs in technology change the learning and teaching experience? This short essay is about the past and the present of language learning.

Russian punctuation

Our students often ask about Russian punctuation rules. The thing is – Russian punctuation is strictly regulated. Unlike English, the Russian language has a long and detailed set of rules, describing the use of commas, semi colons, dashes etc.

History of New Year Celebrations in Russia

The main winter celebration in Russia, the New Year, is here! But did you know that in the 10th-15th centuries Russian New year was celebrated in spring, on the 1st of March? Here is a short history of Russian new year celebrations.

Russian New Year celebrations

Russians like a good celebration, and the biggest celebration of the year is coming – the New Year. This is how we celebrate it.

Christmas and New Year greetings in Russian

Holiday season is upon us, and, in case you would like to wish your Russian friends and contacts a Happy New year and a Merry Christmas – Russian style, here is a short guide. As you will see, even Christmas wishes are subject to cross cultural differences!

Classical Russian Literature: Dostoyevsky

“Am I a shivering little creature, or do I have the right?” These words, famously said by Rodion Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment, always come to my mind when Dostoyevsky is mentioned.

Classical Russian Literature: Chekhov

“Everything should be beautiful in a person: their face and clothes, soul and thoughts.” These words, spoken by Doctor Astrov in the Chekovian play “Uncle Vanya”, are well known to every Russian.