International English Students Part 2- Russians

Something I am beginning to love about my job is noticing all the differences between the students, from different countries, who are learning English. The similarities between the students of one country are also fascinating. Particularly fascinating when it comes to my Russian students, because they are in one-on-one online classes, and have never met the other students. Yet, they make the same mistakes, and often have the same strengths.

The Students

My Russian students are all adults, with the exception of one 13-year-old (who is more mature than most 25-year-olds I know). They are all working (again, except the 13 y.o.), and interestingly enough most have careers in either banking or IT. Their levels of English are impressively high, with a few being almost completely fluent.

Motivation

The main motivations for Russians to learn English are for their career or for a language test. Those that are learning for their career are working at an international company (or trying to apply for one) and need the English for communication in a work atmosphere. As for the language test, it is most likely the IELTs. The IELTs (International English Language Test) has two purposes- testing for a level of English for University, or testing for general life. Most often, Russians are taking the test because they want to find a job in another country, Australia being the most popular choice.

Style of Learning

The Russian style of learning is probably exactly what you are thinking it is- strict and regimented. It is similar to Chinese schools, but carries less pressure than those in China, and creates well-rounded and obedient students. I tell them to do something, they do it. No matter how much homework I give them, they are always open for more. Sure, every now and then you get one that is a bit of a slacker, but overall they are eager to get as much practice as possible.  

Having been trained to teach children, I do find it difficult at times to match the Russian style of teaching. Not that I am usually trying, most students seem to enjoy my lighthearted teaching style. But, sometimes I do get completely blank stares when I make a joke, not from a lack of understanding, but from a confusion as to the point of it. I do have some students that have requested that I am more strict and praise them less, which is harder than you think!

Vocabulary

All my Russian students know an impressive amount of vocabulary. It is often quite random, as you would expect from anyone who picks up English from watching our movies or reading our books. One very interesting lesson came after a student read Bridget Jones' Diary, which is chock full of made up words and British slang. Yeah, that could lead to some very odd conversations during the IELTs!

Grammar

Russian students have a great grasp on grammar. Most of the students I have continue to have grammar lessons with a English-speaking Russian native. Does this hurt my feelings? Not at all! I hate trying to explain high-level grammar, and it is so much easier for students to learn in their first language. Think about a time you learned another language (my assumption for the Americans, Spanish). A teacher can show you a picture of an apple, and say the word apple in Spanish, and you get it. But when it comes to explaining the difference between "I have had an apple" and "I had had an apple", using the first language is a major help.

Pronunciation

You know that reallly thick Russian accent we hear on movies? Yeah, they don't really talk like that. The Russian accent is much lighter, and easier to understand. Their pronunciation is usually correct, though the do make some mistakes. The most difficult sounds for them to make are those where several consonants are together- "ing" never sounds quite right. Particularly words ending in "ths" or "thes". The best example? Clothes- they also say "cloth-es". 

Weaknesses

So from what I wrote, you probably think that Russians speak perfect English, yes? Niet. The Russian's downfall comes from their bad habits. Learning English from a Russian teacher, at a young age (like most of them do), creates many bad habits. The first and foremost being the issues with articles. There are no articles in Russian, which leads to a big problem with them always forgetting to use them. Also, Russian writing uses a lot of commas, so reading something my students have written means making a lot more pauses than needed. Prepositions cause a lot of confusion (and the differences between US and British English don't help- at the weekend? on the weekend?).

There are many Russian words that are the same in English, and even more that are almost completely the same. The problem comes when the students assume the ones that are close, but not exact, are the same. The best example for this is the world "celsius". The Russian word is "Celsium", so that is what they all say when speaking in English.

Oh, and something else..

All those stereotypes in your head about Russians? Mostly false. 

They don't keep bears as pets. Most have never seen a bear outside of a zoo.

They don't have vodka coming out of their faucets. For most it is only on special occasions (birthdays), and many don't drink it at all. It is drank by the poor people, and is seen as something that destroys your life. And they think it tastes yucky.

They don't wear fur hats with flaps on the ears (usually).

The mob doesn't control everyone. Yes, the country is quite corrupt, but hey, probably no more than your country :-)

They don't hate us- they are too busy making sure their recently rebuilt country survives, to worry about what those silly Americans are doing.  And they love iPhones. 

Part 1: http://gingerinuk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/international-english-students-china.html