<p>I want to learn Russian. Why, you may ask? Because not a lot of people in Florida do. It is chic, it is helpful in diplomacy, and Russian people are almost as bad as Americans when it comes to knowledge of foreign languages, which makes even modest attempts in Russian appreciated. However, I do not know any place in Central Florida that teaches Russian. What would be the best way to learn such a language?</p>
<p>Helpful in diplomacy…? Why would you need to know Russian in high school? I’m sure you won’t be translating peace treaties. Plus it sounds like you’re not even planning on going there.</p>
<p>It just seems like a waste of time and money.</p>
<p>You are better off learning Burmese.</p>
<p>Go play a sport bro, you have too much free time.</p>
<p>Hey now, I’m a total advocate for language learning in any sense.</p>
<p>It’s really beneficial to have a classroom setting when it comes to languages because you’re able to integrate it into all the necessary reading/writing/speaking areas more easily, but if you’ve got some money to spend, Rosetta Stone can allow you to learn a bit of the language. It’s built in a way that’s synonymous to how you learned English as a child, through listening and repetition. It can get old, but if you’re patient, it’ll be worth it.</p>
<p>If you don’t want to go through that route, you can buying books on Russian and teaching yourself, but you may not be able to get the fundamental listening/speaking aspects of it as well. Some websites can help you too, but they may just teach the basics.</p>
<p>If all else fails, aim to take some courses in college. If you know someone who’s Russian, ask if they can help teach you (which would probably be the best thing), maybe even making it a rule between you two to speak only in Russian when you begin to get on the level. Don’t give up though. If you really want to learn this language, you should absolutely go for it.</p>
<p>I would say learn something more feasible and worthwhile, like Latin or Spanish, but nobody can stop you. Does Florida have a Virtual School? If so, look to see if they offer Russian. If they don’t, then look into Rosetta Stone software or learning the language by immersion.</p>
<p>Hey! If you’re going to be under 18 by the time November 2011 rolls around, I have the perfect program for you. I just came back from this program myself, but from a different country.</p>
<p>[NSLI</a> for Youth](<a href=“http://www.nsliforyouth.org/]NSLI”>http://www.nsliforyouth.org/)</p>
<p>It’s a program that gives full merit scholarships to study abroad in places like India, Jordan, Morocco, Turkey, South Korea, China, Tajikstan, and RUSSIA. You can go for 6 weeks, 1 semester, or a full year program.</p>
<p>I went for 6 weeks (got back exactly 1 week ago), and I went to school everyday to learn my language and I stayed with a host family. Best time of my life, I made so many friends, loved my family, and got to experience the culture fully.</p>
<p>(I’m not saying the country because the country I chose, not many people went to and I like privacy… just in case)</p>
<p>It’s a lot of fun! Definitely consider it, applications are starting up soon…</p>
<p>I notice that this sounds like an advertisement lol, but trust me it’s not :p</p>
<p>I can understand that. I wanted to learn Russian (but for a different reason because my family is partially Russian). Now I know some conversational Russian. I used my mom’s old Russian textbooks, some text to speech programs for pronunciation, and my mom (who is fluent.)</p>
<p>I’m actually learning Polish on my own right now, which is similar to Russian. I got a subscription to Rosetta Stone TOTALe this summer for $200, which gave me all the levels, games, and live tutoring for about three months. If you have a period of time where you can make the most of this, I would suggest it, but during the school year the three month subscription can be easily wasted (you can renew for $100 though). Purchase a textbook, CD’s, and download Russian language podcasts from Itunes. Also, check the local community college listings for Russian classes, and see if you have a Russian church or community center nearby. Some of these may offer Russian classes.</p>
<p>Good luck! I’m planning on starting to study Russian next summer, and possibly minoring in it.</p>
<p>Wow, you guys are dedicated. I’m learning, well, improving my Chinese/Taiwanese. Doing it the old-fashioned way: hanging around a bunch of people, mostly my mom and assorted family friends, and picking up words.</p>
<p>I’m trying to learn Malay and Japanese myself (Jpn in school).</p>
<p>Russian isn’t that far fetched of a choice actually, there’s an AP test for it! Your hard work might pay off in college credits, and a somewhat easy test with few participants to set the curve.</p>
<p>My friend who’s a complete linguistic freak has attempted (I believe) 24 languages so far. His most devoted ones are Finnish (from Finland), and Sami (from Sweden). What he did (and you could to) is look to see if your state offers a program to take college courses in HS (its called Running Start here).</p>
<p>Russian will undoubtedly be offered (take the closest Community College to you, go to their website, and look at their catalog. Its there.), and you could take it as a 7th period, or take 5 classes at HS, and that be your 6th. I’m certain it will count for Spanish/French/Latin/German credit at your school.</p>
<p>If you’re not willing to go to CC, then you could do Rosetta Stone. I greatly dislike it since it teaches at such a slow pace, and barely touches on grammar, but it could also prep you for the AP Russian test in your free time.</p>
<p>And of course, if you’re able to, visit Russia. A summer immersion, foreign exchange program, or a mere vacation will help beyond disbelief. Talking to Russian people or watching Russian films just won’t cut the real thing.</p>
<p>^ Just so you know, not all community colleges offer over 1 language. Mine offers only Spanish I and II.</p>
<p>^ forgot to mebtion the CC I go to has 30,000 students. Anything with over 10,000 students probably eould offer Russian Id think</p>