How to get fluent, with Dr Popkins

How to learn a foreign language. Methods, matrials and stories to help you maximise your effectiveness on the road to fluency

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In-depth explorations, actionable tips and inspiring conversations for language learners who REALLY want to get fluent…..plus a little bit of fun along the way.

How to learn Russian fast

By Dr Popkins Leave a Comment

So, you want to learn Russian fast? There’s no hiding it, getting really good at Russian is a big undertaking that takes a lot of time: maybe 300 hours study for a basic, functional “working knowledge” at the “lower intermediate” level (sometimes called “B1”).  It also takes a shedload of commitment. But here’s the thing! If you’re motivated, you can achieve specific goals … [Read more...]

Russian TRKI 2nd and 3rd certificate exam preparation materials reviewed

By Dr Popkins 8 Comments

If you want to pass the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language Second (B2) or Third Certificate (C1) exams, you need to get good at Russian across all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and reading). You also have to train up for exams themselves. Russian learners at all levels will find that there are far fewer materials than for comparable widely-spoken … [Read more...]

Why learn Russian? 10 reasons

By Dr Popkins 3 Comments

Why learn Russian? When I started learning Russian as a young graduate student of history, achieving fluency seemed an unattainable dream.  Now I've been functionally fluent for years but I'm working hard to try to up my game at the advanced level.  My flawed, stumbling efforts leave me ever more humbled before this immense language.  Challenging though the … [Read more...]

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