Author: Jenny Carr, Scotland-Russia Forum
Russian could be an excellent L3 (or an additional L3). It’s a European language, so builds on European languages your pupils already know, but interestingly different – the alphabet, vocabulary and culture are all familiar and slightly exotic at the same time. Your pupils will be learning the language of the largest country in the world, spoken in Scotland by few Scots but a lot of people of Russian, Latvian, Estonian and Ukrainian heritage and in the same linguistic family as Polish and Czech.
Is it difficult? The alphabet is phonetic and pronunciation is straightforward; there is no verb “to be” in the present tense; no articles; verb formation is regular and easy; there are only 3 tenses (past, present and future).
Is it interesting? Aspects of Russian culture that might throw new light on some of the topics you already teach include: a European country with Asian links; lots of gory history; a major space programme; well-known ballet; fantastic fairy tales.
What about materials?
Find out about Russia is an information website for primary pupils and their teachers with sections on the Russian language, history, geography, space, food and much more with suggested follow up activities or reading.
Scotland-Russia Forum can advise on other materials and on existing teachers in Scotland. Please contact them for further information and support.
Think about it!
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