Learn Russian with Babbel and unlock a new world

Spoken across the Russian Federation and Belarus, as well as in many countries of the former Soviet Union, Russian is in use across a larger geographical area than any other European language. It’s the eighth most popular language in the world with over 148 million native speakers, and it’s the second most widely used language on the internet, after English. 

Learning Russian can unlock a huge and significant part of the world's culture, allowing not only conversation with Russian speakers, but also a greater understanding of Russian art and literature. The end of the Cold War has brought new opportunities for trade in eastern Europe, so company owners and employees who speak Russian, or are prepared to take Russian lessons, are often better placed to develop their business or career. Plus, you can take a free lesson right now to see what Babbel has to offer.

The biggest differences between Russian and English

Admittedly, Russian and English aren’t particularly alike, so there are quite a few aspects of each language that look different from the other. To start with a point in common, however, both languages are part of the Indo-European family of languages. Russian is part of the Slavic branch, while English is in the Germanic group. That means though they have some clear differences, there is a shared background for the two languages.

The most obvious difference between the two languages is that Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but there are also several key differences between Russian and English grammar. In English, the meaning of a sentence is conveyed by word order, while in Russian, the words in the sentence are modified by using a different inflection, or by adding a suffix or prefix. It is also hard to predict which syllable of a Russian word is stressed, so this has to be learned by listening and practicing.

Russian is perceived by many English speakers as a difficult language to learn, mainly due to the Cyrillic alphabet. However, many of the letters in the Cyrillic alphabet are pronounced similarly to their equivalent in English, and the characters can even look similar. Russian spelling is largely phonetic, so there are fewer differences between spelling and pronunciation than in English. It will be a challenge, but Babbel will walk you through each letter and its pronunciation, so you’ll be able to read the language in no time.

The benefits of learning Russian online

Learning Russian online, particularly with platforms like Babbel, offers distinct advantages over traditional in-person courses. Online courses provide unparalleled flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and on their own schedule. This is especially beneficial for busy individuals or those with irregular work hours, as they can fit language lessons into their daily routines without the constraints of fixed class times. Additionally, online platforms often incorporate a variety of multimedia resources, such as interactive exercises and engaging videos. These offerings enhance comprehension and retention far beyond what a typical classroom environment might offer.

Online learning fosters a personalized experience. With Babbel, learners can tailor their study paths to focus on specific areas of interest or difficulty, ensuring that they engage with the material that is most relevant to their goals. This adaptability allows for a more efficient learning process, as users can revisit challenging topics or advance more quickly through familiar content. Plus, the convenience of accessing lessons from anywhere also encourages consistent practice, which is crucial for language acquisition. 

Taking a Russian course: Tips to learn Russian quickly

The best way to learn Russian depends on the individual, since different learning methods suit different people.

• Start With The Alphabet. As already mentioned, what really sets Russian apart from Spanish or Swedish is that it uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Prioritizing your ABCs (or АБВs) is important, so don’t spend too much time on romanized versions of Russian words. You’ll probably discover that a new alphabet isn’t as difficult as you thought.

• Immerse Yourself in the Language. Surround yourself with Russian as much as possible. Watch Russian movies, listen to music, or follow podcasts in Russian. This exposure helps you get accustomed to the sounds, rhythms and vocabulary of the language.

• Practice Speaking Regularly. Engage in conversation practice with native speakers or fellow learners. If you’re nervous starting out, Babbel offers ways to practice speaking on your own before you venture out into the world. The more you speak, the more confident you'll become in using the language.

• Review What You Learned Regularly. Create flashcards for new words and phrases. Babbel’s Review feature can help you reinforce your memory through spaced repetition, making it easier to recall vocabulary when you need it.

• Focus on Everyday Conversations. Learn phrases and vocabulary that are relevant to daily life. This practical approach enables you to communicate effectively in common situations, boosting your confidence and motivation.

Learn Russian with the Babbel app

The internet has added many new ways of learning to the tried and trusted methods. Babbel's interactive, multimedia online courses are designed to fit individual learning requirements, as well as fitting around an individual lifestyle. 

Reading, writing, listening and speaking are all covered in the lessons, with voice recognition to correct and improve pronunciation. Focus on the areas that interest you, whether that's business or leisure, and learn Russian using a course that is both intuitive and enjoyable.