The Unwritten Rules of Russian
You've learned the Cyrillic alphabet and memorized verb conjugations, but do you know why a Russian might not smile back at you? This guide delves into the unspoken rules of…
Slavic Languages
Slavic False Friends: Words That Deceive
Ever tried to use your knowledge of one Slavic language in another, only to be met with a confused stare? You've likely stumbled into the treacherous, and often hilarious, world…
Aesopian Language: The Dissident’s Secret Code
Discover Aesopian language, the subtle art of embedding subversive messages in seemingly innocent writing. Born from the need to outsmart censors, this linguistic tightrope act was perfected by Soviet-era dissidents…
The Beginner’s Guide to Learning Russian
Think learning Russian is impossible? This story-driven guide breaks down your first 30 days, from deciphering the Cyrillic alphabet to speaking your first sentences. It's not a grammar lecture; it's…
The Two Pasts of Bulgarian: Witnessed vs. Unwitnessed
In most languages, the past is simply the past. But in Bulgarian, your grammar forces you to specify your source: did you see an event yourself, or are you just…
The Case of the Missing ‘Is’ in Russian
In Russian, "My brother is a doctor" becomes "Мой брат – врач" (My brother – doctor). This isn't a mistake or slang; it's a fundamental feature of the language rooted…
A Guide to Slavic Languages
** Dive into the fascinating world of Slavic languages, a family that connects over 300 million speakers from Prague to Vladivostok. This guide explores their common origins, the three major…
The Language That Clings to the Past: Sorbian
Deep within modern Germany, a Slavic language called Sorbian holds onto a grammatical feature lost by almost all others: the rare dual number. This unique way of speaking, which distinguishes…
Glagolitic: The Lost Slavic Alphabet
Before the familiar Cyrillic script dominated Eastern Europe, there was another, more mysterious alphabet designed for the Slavic people. We uncover the story of Glagolitic, the ornate and beautiful alphabet…
What Makes Russian Difficult to Learn?
Language acquisition is a fascinating process filled with both challenges and rewards. For many learners, Russian, with its complex grammar rules and unfamiliar script, presents...
Russian Books for Beginner to Intermediate Learners
Russian literature is a gateway to a different world, a world of fascinating tales that captures the soul of Russia. Its expansive history, culture, philosophy,...