Posted on April 13th, 2012

Are you on Twitter yet? As you know, Twitter is a microblogging service that allows you to exchange short bits of information, and follow people and subjects you might be interested in.

Twitter is also a great free Russian learning resource. Let’s take a closer look at the great language learning advantages of this modern social media tool.

Follow Russian Language Learning Resources

I know, it probably sounds very obvious, but it makes sense, right?

If you follow a company or business that sells products to Russian language learners or offers translation or teaching services on Twitter, first of all, of course, you will have the latest news about their products and services.

Second of all, most companies like to post links to other useful resources or blog about Russian language and culture to keep their followers interested. This means that besides being updated on the latest Russian learning products, you will access to a lot of interesting and useful tips about the Russian language and culture.

For example,  Russian4real teaches a Russian “word of the day” on Twitter and helps you stay updated on other wonderful Russian learning resources!

Follow Russian Speakers

By following native Russian speakers on Twitter, you will have a chance to learn new vocabulary including Russian slang and idioms. You will also be exposed to the numerous examples of how the words are used in context by native speakers. Make sure to make a note of the many uses of the words and practice them on your own time.

Another great reason to follow native Russian speakers is being able to learn and practice your reading and grammar skills by reviewing and analyzing their tweets.

Use Twitter Search Function

Twitter search function is another great tool that helps you to find examples of how a word or phrase is used by a native Russian speaker in context. For instance, you would like to find examples of how verb “сидеть” (sit) is used in Russian language. Go ahead and type word “сидеть” in Twitter search bar to see many different examples featuring this word:
“сидеть в интернете”
“сидеть в социалных сетях”
“сидеть в твиттере”
“сидеть у монитора”
“сидеть дома”

Now, any time you are looking for an example of how a Russian word or phrase is used in a sentence, use a Twitter search function to find some great examples.

Respond to Your Followers’  Tweets

Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced student, don’t hesitate to respond to your Russian friends’ tweets. Don’t worry about making a mistake or two, your followers will know you are a foreigner learning Russian language. They will most likely encourage and support you.

Responding to tweets in Russian is very important, as it allows you to practice new Russian words and slang, as well as constructing sentences in Russian. It’s a great way to memorize new words and grammar rules and build your language confidence.

Follow Interesting People

When learning a new language, motivation is the key. While on Twitter, make sure to follow the subjects or people you are interested in. This way, you will be even more motivated to learn what they are twittering about.

You can follow your Russian friends as well as Russian stars and celebrities. For example, if you like hockey you can follow Alex Ovechkin, or if you are a huge fan of Timati’s music, you can also follow him on Twitter.

Twitter is a free and a very simple tool that will help to make your Russian studies easier and more fun!

Are you using Twitter? Does it help you to improve your Russian skills? I’d love to hear your opinion on this great learning resource.

And, of course, have lots of fun learning Russian!  

Related Posts:

• Video: Most Common Russian Greetings
• Learning Russian through Fairy Tales
• Russian Grammar Lesson: Russian Names
• Russian Christmas Video Lesson: Traditions and History
• Cases of the Russian Nouns & The Nominative Case

Comments

Садовник и сыновья

Л.Н. Толстой

Хотел садовник сыновей приучить к садовому делу. Когда он стал умирать, позвал их к себе и сказал:

– Дети, когда я умру, вы в виноградном саду поищите, что там спрятано.

Дети думали, что там клад, и, когда отец умер, стали рыть и всю землю перекопали. Клада не нашли, а землю в винограднике так хорошо перекопали, что стало плода родиться много больше. И они стали богаты.

Все бобры для своих бобрят добры.

Приблизительный перевод: All beavers are kind to their baby beavers.

Что посеешь, то и пожнешь.

As you sow, you shall mow.