Dobro polzhalovat’!
Welcome!
September 1, 2003
The Alphabet
and a
Taste of Pushkin.
Privet! We are entering our second full week of classes. I hope you are not feeling extremely overwhelmed by Russian.
Yes, the alphabet is different, but once you learn it, you will not have the consistent problems that you have with your native English. Why? Russian spelling is 95 percent phonetic. There are a few exceptions, but even the exceptions have rules. We will discuss them in the coming weeks.
I am happy with the eagerness and enthusiasm that I see in the classroom. I will do my best to keep your interests peaked. Remember to check the website resources for additional supplements to your learning.
Let's Go to Russia!
Dr. Bonhomme and I are in the extremely early stages of planning a trip to Russia this summer. Dr. Bonhomme teaches in the history department and has been to Russia many times, not to mention that he is married to Russian and speaks Russian fluently.
If you think you would like to venture to the land of the Czars, let me know!
Bonus Points Opportunity.
For Two Bonus Points: Read the article on Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin and tell me what you think is the most interesting thing about him. If you have read Pushkin before, tell me something new that you learned from the article.
For an additional Three Bonus Points, read the two translations of the poem “Love still may be” and tell me which one you like and why. Pick a specific phrase or word that helped you make your decision.
Take your time to answer this one. Answers that seem rushed or not well thought out will not earn the maximum number of bonus points.
Once again, welcome to your first semester of Russian!
Todd Alden Marshall, Ph.D.
Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Irby 415
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-5096
Toddm@mail.uca.edu
*This is the next step toward THE One World Language.
Step Twelve: *Your past participle in the fish bowl!
Planet Russkij is ruled by Dr. Todd Alden Marshall, professor of Russian and Slavic Linguistics at the University of Central Arkansas. An independent entity in the CornDancer consortium of planets, Planet Russkij is dedicated to the study and exploration of the Russian language, culture, and society. CornDancer is a developmental website for the mind and spirit maintained by webmistress Freddie A. Bowles of the Planet Earth. Submissions are invited.
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