Category Archives: language learning tips

Top 10 Reasons To Learn Chinese

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You hear those sounds and see those stick figures and wonder how you could ever speak or read Chinese, right? It seems scary and most English-speakers cringe at the thought of taking up Chinese classes. However, the fact is that Chinese is much easier to learn and even an average student can learn Chinese in 5 minutes. It is a beautiful language that has great use of phonetics, does not use too many syllables, uses no articles, and has neither plurals nor genders. If that already doesn’t make it easier, then consider the fact that you can understand what the Chinese speakers are saying even if you do not get the tones right. Apart from the ease of learning Chinese, there are many different reasons why it would be to your advantage to know the language. Sample these 10 and tell me if you don’t want to sign up already.

China by Dainis Matisons

chinese language will open the doors to a new culture – source

Position Yourself for Future Opportunities

The world is a global village with a billion of us being of Chinese origin. This is a market segment you can never choose to ignore. The Chinese economy is also experiencing some robust growth and many companies and governments all over the world are finding themselves increasingly trading with the Chinese. So think about it, if your firm is competing with another firm to partner with a Chinese firm who do you think they Chinese will go with? Will they go with the foreigner who needs a translator to communicate with them or the foreigner who is cracking all those Mandarin jokes like he was born in Chongqing?

Export-Import Trade

China is regarded as the “factory of the world”. This is according to Robert Mundell, the Nobel Prize Winner. If you look at the balance of trade between big economies like the U.S, you find that it is in favor of China with over $41 billion in 2006 alone. If you are in the import-export business you will realize that most of your business dealings are with Chinese firms. If your company is not, then your contemporaries and competitors are most likely doing better business than you are. Equip yourself with the Chinese language and look East for a better bottom line.

Political Advantages

If you are fluent in Chinese and have an interest in politics then there are countless opportunities for you within your country and beyond. This is because China is a growing global investor and many countries are finding it advantageous to work with the Chinese. Knowing the language gives you a leg up against other political pundits competing for the same posts. If you do not believe me just ask former Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, a fluent Mandarin speaker.

Community

As mentioned, the world is a global village. Therefore, it pays to be multi-lingual to communicate better with others in your community. Your next door neighbor could be Chinese or your son could bring home a Chinese bride. Talking with the in-laws will be much less awkward and much more fun. Organizing a neighborhood watch won’t be so complicated either if we could all know what the other is talking about, wouldn’t it?

Study Abroad

If you are thinking of gaining new academic exposure by studying abroad then knowledge of the Chinese language could be a great help. You will understand theoretical and academic concepts easier and you will enjoy your classes more. No more retarded looks as your Chinese tutor explains how simple electronic circuits work.

The Japanese are Studying Chinese

Japan is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. And over there, they are teaching as much Chinese as they are teaching English. The Japanese realize that in order to take advantage of economic opportunities and advance their national strategies, it is in their best interests if their population consists of a good number of Chinese speakers. Do you think the Japanese are wrong?

New Perspectives

If you are American and have never left your country then you might have a very closed view on how the rest of the world works. This is true even for a Chinese who has never left his/her country or a European for that matter. Learning a new language exposes you to new cultures and new ways of thinking and this widens your knowledge and expands your perspectives.

Social Advantages

Imagine walking into a singles bar and opening up conversation with the Chinese ladies seated at the next table. Your friends will be looking at you in awe and I assure you, your phone book will have new phone numbers by the end of the night. Well, even the waitress might just offer you hers! Everybody admires people who seem worldly and have good communication skills with others from different social settings.

Increased Brain Function

It has been scientifically proven that knowing more than one language is good for your brain. The cognitive muscles of your brain get more exercise when you switch between languages and this makes you more alert and more focused in general. Studies show that multi-lingual people are more effective in their tasks, can multi-task better, and are good at prioritizing.

Negotiations

If I was haggling prices or negotiating some big business deal I would prefer if I am talking the same language with my trade partner. The presence and actions of a translator will be at best amusingly distracting, and at worst extremely irritating. Besides, if you have watched those soap operas with subtitles you know that translators do not always convey the same meaning as was intended by the speaker.

Learning a new language can be beneficial on many fronts and there is no better choice of language than Chinese. It will benefit your social interactions, business dealings, cultural knowledge, and political actions.

Morgan Dalloway grew up as an army brat, following his dad to army stations in various Asian, Middle East, and African posts. The challenge of making new friends after every new posting made him the multi-lingual expert that he is today. Speaking over 8 languages fluently and with a more than passing knowledge of over 10 other languages, he has taught various Chinese languages online and in classroom settings.

Why Learning French Will Help Travelling Around the World

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If you want to travel the world sometime in future, you should start learning the French Language. 10 years ago, 77 million people were using French as a first language and 51 million people used it as a second language. At the time, there were 100 million students of French, who wanted to learn the language for either jobs or travel. The numbers have since had grown with more and more people adopting French as one of the languages that they speak regularly.
Morocco, Atlas Mountains

Most people speak French in Morocco – source

For you, this means that a lot of the people you will meet will speak French. The best way to travel around the world is if you can communicate with a good number of the people that you meet. That is why learning French is important. It will help you communicate with people in all the Francophone countries that you will visit.
There is a mistaken notion that learning French is harder than learning Spanish. The truth, though, is that it isn’t. Anyone can learn French. It is a versatile language that is easy to learn. So long as you have the right teacher, the right text and some practice, you will be speaking French before long.
Learning French will open access to some of the most interesting tourist destinations around the world. Morocco and Lebanon, for instance, are French-speaking countries that are rich in Arabic history. If you want to understand a lot of the Middle East and Northern Africa, a visit to these two countries is a must.
Another country that is a great tourist destination is Canada. A lot of the history of the Americas is to be found there. Additionally, it is a country so rich in nature that a single tourist visit cannot get to all of it. The people of Canada primarily speak French, so if you are going to enjoy your travels, to understand local culture, you have to learn the French language.
We haven’t talked about France, one of the oldest cities in Europe and one of the riches in culture. Going to France is one of the riches experiences for many people. To enjoy France to the fullest, you have to be able to communicate with the native people.
Are there tips to learning French faster?
Indeed, there are things that you can do so that your French lessons take a shorter time:
•Learn what you need to know. You are travelling around the world soon so learn how to ask the kind of questions that tourists ask.
•Don’t limit yourself to one way of learning French. We all learn in different ways so use what works best for you.
•Repetition helps you learn faster than anything.
•Learn in a group. Group learning shortens learning time and you can practice with group members.
•Read about French history and culture; it helps you learn
The French language is one of the most common languages in the world. If you plan to enjoy your travels, it’s time you started taking some French language lessons.

French Moments’ intensive courses in France

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In 2014, the French language and cultural centre “French Moments” will be back in France with two intensive courses in Paris and beautiful Sarlat-la-Canéda in Périgord.

The French intensive courses run by French Moments are designed for adult English-speakers who want to learn (or improve) their language skills while enjoying the discovery of the region where the classes take place. Designed with two levels (travellers and conversation), the course puts a strong emphasis on teaching the culture alongside the language and is limited to 10 students per group.

The morning classes are run by dynamic and friendly French-native teachers. In the afternoon, excursions are organised in the town or the surrounding areas with further opportunities for students to speak the language in a practical way and interact with locals.

In 2012, French Moments ran a two-week course in Kaysersberg, a charming little town along the Alsace Wine Route. The morning classes were followed by exciting excursions and French-related activities such as a French treasure hunt, a visit to a wine cellar and a cheese factory, a cooking workshop in Strasbourg, a guided-tour of the Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, the discovery of Europe’s largest open-air museum at Écomusée d’Alsace, two tasting meals and much more…

Kaysersberg, France

French lessons in the lovely village of Kaysersberg – source

The first French intensive course in France for 2014 will take place in Paris from the 19th to the 25th July [conversation level] and from the 26th July to the 1st August [traveller level]. The afternoon excursions have been carefully planned to reflect the theme of “Siècle des Lumières” (Age of Enlightenment).

The second French course will take you to Sarlat-la-Canéda, capital of the Périgord Noir where you can learn French surrounded by the rich medieval history of the Dordogne Valley while tasting the delicious local cuisine and wines. The course will take place from the 1st to the 12th September 2014 [traveller & conversation levels] in a beautiful and peaceful villa.

Pierre, who heads up the French Moments team was born in the city of Nancy, Lorraine, famous for its Neo-classical square Place Stanislas which has been listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site since 1983. After living in Germany during his childhood, he has also resided in France and England with his wife Rachel from Portsmouth (UK) before the couple moved to Australia in 2006 to start French lessons in the Lower North Shore of Sydney.

In 2008, Pierre and Rachel Guernier founded French Moments in Sydney, Australia as well as a French language centre called “French in Sydney”. Pierre previously taught French in London at the Institut Français, also at a leading language school in Paris and various schools in Sydney,

This teaching experience enabled him to work for companies, institutions and embassies as well as individuals of all ages. Pierre holds a Master of Translating & Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations and a degree of Economics and Management.

The couple have a passion for everything French, and enjoy promoting France, which led them to start a website (www.frenchmoments.eu) which contains cultural information about France: sites, monuments, history, lifestyle, etc. The comprehensive website is an on-going work in progress and new articles are added weekly.

For more information about French Moments’ intensive courses in Paris and Sarlat, contact their friendly team at bonjour@frenchmoments.com or visit www.frenchmoments.eu.

Chateau d'Isenbourg French Intensive Course 2012 30 © French Moments

 

 

 

 

Learning a Language for Busy People

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Leaning a new language is both challenging and fun. People who don’t have an extra hour on their hands must think twice before they start the process, to avoid frustration and disappointment. If practising and obtaining a new language is your true goal, lack of time should not be getting in the way. There are existing shortcuts and workarounds, proven to be effective for full-time careerists who cannot afford spending half a day in a classroom.
Here are a few useful methods to help establish a healthy studying routine.
a banker goes to the work

learning a language for busy people – source

Use Your Lunch Hour to Attend a Language Class

Lunch break is a good opportunity to change the sequence of a standard work day and get occupied with something totally different. Using this time to relax and acquire knowledge at the same time might look like a tricky task at first. Many businessmen, however, will admit that the lunch hour is their only time available for doing something outside of the traditional work or household duties. Attending a language class in the middle of a busy day is a creative approach for refreshing one’s hectic schedule.

Evening Language Courses Are Still the Best Option

For those interested in more profound language training a speedy class during the lunch break might not be good enough. Evening courses are still the most convenient option for most working people. The classes vary by types and duration, but all have one thing in common: several hours in the atmosphere of the language accompanied by qualified teachers and professional study guidelines. Even if you are way too tired to take active part in discussions, passive listening can bring results as well. The major advantage of the evening language courses is you can finally relax after work and let knowledge dip in.

The Importance of Revision

Real progress is measured over time and there is nothing that works better than revising previously studied material. There are many techniques, and you should try them all before finding the one that suits you best. An old and most unobtrusive way of repeating new words and rules is getting surrounded by them as much as possible. Office employees tend to keep reminder notes all over their desks, monitors and even the walls: why not add a couple of sticky papers at home or work, with some freshly learned vocabulary? Another worthy method to enhance your language proficiency is by using audio materials. Songs and rhymes are easily memorized and listening to them will help you improve your accent as well.
Revision, in any form, is vital. It is a mighty studying tool especially for busy people who cannot afford the luxury of studying the language in traditional ways.
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In today’s world of international business making and globalization verbal tools of communication have become a necessity. An employee who is fluent in more than one language is often valued higher than his or her less communicative peers and, eventually, might have better chances for a promotion or a better income. Combining work and language studies is not easy: whether for personal or professional goals, studying requires time and dedication. Therefore, your tactics should be focused on obtaining useful habits and implementing them into your daily routine: taking classes during lunch time and going over the material on the way to work, for example.  Keep on looking for a free minute to revise, practice and learn. Persistence will help you acquire the targeted language and not give up in the middle.

Why learning a new language will make you sexy

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Multilingual people have an advantage over people that can only speak one language. Being a polyglot opens your doors to better employment opportunities, more interesting in-city experiences and, the ability to interact better with people from other cultures. It is very simple; if you have a second language, you can simply interact better with other people. Polyglots are often perceived as intellectuals, and for a good reason, the ability to represent ideas in different languages to different cultures attracts attention. It is an impressive trait being able to correspond with a waiter in their language when you go out on a date. There is sexiness in being multilingual because intellectualism is a form of attractiveness. In a way, you are also doubling or tripling your chances of finding that right person, because you can easily communicate with more people. One is apt to loose opportunities in having great experiences because the language barrier. This becomes one of the mains reasons people learn a new language. People who can speak various languages tend to meet people easier, and have a better opportunity to interact positively with them. The sounds of a foreign language are instantly attractive to people surrounding you. The curiosity to understand what people are talking about in different languages becomes an instant attractive insight.

Hipster

 

Traveling as a tourist is going to a country with knowing the basic vocabulary, or carrying a dictionary in hopes to not get ripped off by a street vendor. Traveling to a country where you can fluently speak the second language well enrich your being culturally. You will be able to gain a better more richening experience from your travels. This becomes another reason to learn to speak a second language. Multi-linguals usually do not come back from their travels with a shirt stating that they arrived to the place of choice, they come back with a luggage full of memories and experiences, eager to go back and explore even further still. An adventure is at the tip of the tongue, just being able to continue a conversation beyond ‘my name is…’ can turn your life over. Learning a new language will change you see things in life. If you think about the barriers that you can break down by learning to communicate with other people, you will soon realize that you can achieve more than you have been doing by just speaking one language.

 

The opportunity to  be multilingual today is more accessible than ever. Take the time to learn a new language. Not only will you be learning a new language, you will be learning a different culture. The doors will open.

Why London is best place to learn any language

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London, the capital city of England, is one of the most multicultural places in the world. The diversity of different cultures has made London one of the best places to learn any language. London has such an assorted range of populates and cultures and with this, more than 300 languages are spoken within its borders. This is one of the many reasons why London is very attractive to people who seek to learn new languages as well as learn from different cultures. The attitude in the city has amplified to have a high quality of culture and lifestyle. The city is known for having such a diver culture, from going to eat Indian cuisine, or sitting contemplating the beauties of different temples and international Landmarks. It is becoming more common that the native speakers of London can speak more than just English, London becoming a world capital for all languages.

London, England

London the multicultural capital of the world – source

London has an incredible access to courses varying in any subject. The beauty of being such a multicultural city is its accessibility to learning in different languages. Language courses come in all forms; you can take all level of education in a wide variety of different language. Because of the cultural diversity, you can choose to live in a community where the dominance of that language that you seek to learn is predominant. It is easy to immerse yourself into a language when the people around you speak it fluently. You can dine out in a restaurant, or go shopping and absorb from the language from such normal everyday activities. The city has so many public libraries and public places where you can strengthen your learning curve with material; watch movies, read books and go to different multicultural events. In London it is easy to find people that tutor privately, another option to learn the language without having to travel outside the city.

In any case, if you would want to immerse yourself completely in a different culture, London offers many ways to travel thru the European Union. The varieties of countries that surround England have such variety in languages, which it becomes easy to travel from the city to other places, and experience its life personally. For example, just a train away you have access to travel into Paris, in no more than two hours. If you live in London, you can think about learning any language and when you are comfortable enough take a trip to the country which they speak it, such as; France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Denmark, to mention a few. Not only is learning a language in London easy, it is also accessible. You are only steps away from an endless multicultural experience.

 

Why Paris is the best place to learn French

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“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” Thomas Jefferson said that and he was right. There is no better way than to learn French in France. For many people who want to learn French, it’s all about DVD’s in the car and evening classes; it ends up taking forever and they don’t get to learn the language in a way that they can put it to practical use. If you can afford to go to Paris on holiday, book yourself some language lessons and learn from the people who speak it every day, all the time.
Eiffel Tower

Eiffel tower – the most iconic symbol of France – source

Paris is not just a place to learn French. It is the center of European culture. For centuries, Paris has continued to be one of the richest destinations in Europe when it comes to culture. Not only do they have museums that contain some of the most expensive and attractive art, Paris has maintained a lot of the architecture that you read about in history. The people themselves are authentic; there is hardly another European city where the people are so proud of their culture, their food, their buildings and just generally who they are. Tourists like things to do and you will be spoilt for choice in between your French language lessons. Plan visits to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, The Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Varsailles Palace and all other similar tourist places. After your trips, you may want to sample some of the best food in Paris. There are so many to choose from that you may get confused, but make a point to try as many different dishes as possible – most are a treat for the palate.
Immerse yourself in Paris and get your French language lessons there; it is a fact that the best way to learn a language is to live with the people who speak it. You get to use everything you learn and when people talk to you in French, you will feel better motivated to learn better so that you can communicate. There are plenty of schools to choose from and they are not very expensive. There are intensive courses that you can take over a short period of time. Even taking a basic introductory course as you tour Paris will go a long way in helping you master the language better and faster. Go ahead and book yourself lessons today.

Global talent management – what is it and what does it involve?

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Essentially global talent management is not dissimilar to HR – it’s simply HR on a global scale. The purpose of global talent management is to recruit and retain the best talent in the context of a business whose limits don’t stop at national borders.

The managing of a global workforce is complex, and involves not only selecting the right employees to send overseas, but in many cases also assisting them with their move. This could mean helping out with visa requirements, finding the right accommodation, and assisting in the selection and placing of school-age children in the best establishment (if the employee is going abroad with her or his family).

There are also important financial considerations too when a member of the workforce is stationed abroad – such as their tax requirements, how remuneration is worked out (and which currency to pay people in) as well as things like health cover.

Why are people moving abroad?

Research suggests that the profile of international workers is changing – and while the majority of those going overseas on assignments used to be people higher up the organisational structure, there are now more people going abroad who aren’t at an elevated executive level.

One of the main reasons more opportunities are opening up abroad is because companies – in an effort to rely less on a single territory, are looking to grow in emerging markets. Recently Brazil, Russia, India and China – known collectively as the BRICs economies – have been featured quite heavily in a lot of talk about economic growth and business opportunity.

The globally mobile workforce

While the day is still far off when a majority of employees will be able to choose to spend time working abroad for their company, there’s no doubt that overseas assignments are popular, and seen as a valuable step in career progression. But working abroad – for all its rewards, does bring its own special set of challenges and pressures, including:

  • attaining the right level of language skills
  • negotiating the vagaries of foreign healthcare systems
  • settling into a new job and living circumstances in what may be an unfamiliar location

Obviously, for employers there’s a lot at stake as well for the employee. If an assignment doesn’t work out for whatever reason, then it can be a costly process to discontinue the assignment. Many employers provide an EAP (employee assistance programme) to provide counselling for employees experiencing problems in their personal life.

In terms of healthcare, some surveys have indicated that in some cases employers may be unaware of the difference between travel health cover and expat cover. In a blog post on advice for prospective expatriates on the website of AXA PPP International expat health insurance provider, an important point is raised about entry to certain countries and the strict visa rules they may have. There have been stories in the press about uninsured people actually being turned away at the airport. So health insurance comes high on the list of priorities.

Gavin M is a blogger specialising in expat life and employment topics.

Five Tips For A Successful Corporate Relocation To Spain

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So, your employer is planning a corporate relocation to Spain, and you have decided to take a new position overseas. This decision may bring about any number of emotions – excitement, anticipation, stress, happiness and sadness. But just as importantly, this decision will require a lot of work on your end. Even if your company is handling the international moving and helping with arrangements for employees such as accommodations, transportation, work visas and other paperwork, you will still have quite a few tasks to handle on your own. Here are five of the most important things to consider when relocating to Spain or any other European country:

1. Soak in the Spanish Culture

Even if your employer is paying for Spanish language classes, there is much more to learn. Relocating to Spain will be easier if you take extra classes, read books about the local culture, subscribe to magazines and even visit before you move, if possible. Once you’re there, consider joining local clubs and engaging in activities where you might meet people who live in the area. This will help to lessen the emotional burden that often comes with relocating.

2. Examine Your Health Coverage Options

If your employer is providing health insurance and they have only given you one or two options, then this aspect of your move will be simple. If you are left to procure your own medical coverage, you will need to study up on all the options. Either way, it’s a good idea to learn more about their typical healthcare processes so you know what to do and where to go if you need medical assistance.

3. Open a Spanish Bank Account

As soon as you have proof of address and a visa, you can open a bank account, which will more than likely be required to arrange for new services in Spain, such as a mobile phone (if your employer isn’t providing one). Try to find the bank with the best currency exchange; a little research here will go a long way.

3. Research the Roads and Requirements for Drivers

If you plan on driving in Spain, you will need to learn more about the requirements and regulations to ensure compliance. You may have to go to a driving school and get a new license on your own, or your employer may be assisting with this as part of the international office moving. Either way, the laws are different and you need to know what you’re facing as a new driver in this country.

5. Get to Know the Trains, Trams and Buses

Chances are you will end up using public transportation after moving to Spain. Most European countries are set up with excellent public transportation systems, and in many cases it is simply more convenient to take a metro train, tram or bus in the city you’ll soon call home. You may even decide to sell your car. If you’re skeptical because public transportation isn’t popular where you live, just give it a try. Your life may be a whole lot easier as a result.

Alba, a native of Spain who now lives and works in the U.S., is an expert on international office moving. She loves her home nation and is happy to share tips on how to acclimate to the culture, as well as how to successfully undertake an office-wide relocation overseas.

Three Reasons to Study Russian

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One of the most widely spoken languages around the world is Russian. With about 300 million speakers Russian can be heard almost anywhere these days, which makes this tongue highly useful for whoever plans to do business in Russia, visit the country or get exposed to its rich cultural and historical background.

Russian is an expressive tongue and it is considered not an easy one to learn. Here are several prevailing reasons how acquiring this language can benefit you both from personal and professional perspectives.

Kremlin, Moscow

The Kremlin – source

 

Language of Global Communication

Russian is the fifth most commonly used language of global communication and it is one of the official UN languages. As the dominant and influential tongue in Eastern Europe, knowing Russian will also help you understand some Ukrainian, Slovak, Polish, Belarusian Czech and Bulgarian. Although the alphabet system is different (Russian use Cyrillic alphabet, while the west Slavic use Latin script), the meaning behind the words’ has much in common.

Russian’s improving economy and huge market potential show growing opportunities of trade and investment for international companies. Entrepreneurs interested to do business in the world’s largest country should be familiar with the language at least on an intermediate level as English is still not widely spoken across the country.

Getting Exposed To Culture, Art and History

Russia has an extremely rich cultural heritage which has spread far beyond its borders: Golden Age writers and poets such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Pushkin, ingenious musicians, composers and Nobel Prize winners have conquered hearts and minds of numerous people around the world.

Most of the country’s literature masterpieces have been translated to hundreds of languages. Translation, however, often fails to convey the message to the full extent. To gain a deeper understanding of the world’s classic literature one should be able to read it in the original language.

Vacation in Russia

Have you ever thought of visiting Kremlin or the Hermitage Museum? Moscow and St. Petersburg are two primary destinations in Russia. Unless you are accompanied by a local guide, it would be best to get acquainted with the language at least on the basic conversational level. Young Russians are mostly fluent in English; the older generation, however, might have difficulty communicating with foreign tourists.

For those who plan to go to Russia by themselves it is important to keep in mind that all the road signs and transport stations are all in Russian – therefore it is necessary to be familiar with Cyrillic alphabet at the least.

Besides the two famous cities there are plenty of other locations worth visiting. Being able to speak and understand the language opens many treasure chests across the vast territory of Russia: the Altai Golden Mountains, the Caucasus, Siberia and many more.

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Russian is an extraordinary tongue with exceptional grammar rules and abundant vocabulary. Getting into it is a challenge that never ends. Being a modern country, Russia, nevertheless remains an enigma – a country full of contradictions and controversies. Studying the language is an efficient way to get in touch with its people’s mentality, make friends and establish potential business relationships.

 Russian language lessons in London.

London offers a wealth of people and their knowledge, so if you are in London for any length of time it make sense  to start or continue learning Russian. The language class offer Russian tuition through qualified and native teachers.