Today I fill a request of one of my Podcast listeners/ YouTube subscribers by reciting a short poem written by one of Russia's greatest talents - Anna Akhmatova. Лотова Жена - Анна Ахматова (Lot's Wife - Anna Akhmatova). To view the text: http://youtu.be/2fEWD9bqAWk

Today I fill a request of one of my Podcast listeners/ YouTube subscribers by reciting a short poem written by one of Russia's greatest talents - Anna Akhmatova. Лотова Жена - Анна Ахматова (Lot's Wife - Anna Akhmatova). To view the text: <a href="http://youtu.be/2fEWD9bqAWk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/2fEWD9bqAWk</a>

a Spoonful of Russian 032

The video that goes with this episode can be found on my YouTube channel: Episode 031  Toasting is a huge thing in Russia. Has been for ages. A full glass must be drunk to the bottom after every toast, because “a toast without wine is like a wedding without a bride!” A traditional Russian drinking party usually includes a sequence of several standard toasts.You can refresh them by watching my Most Common Russian Drinking Toasts/Phrases video.The most common first toast is...  To our meeting! За встречу! [za FSTRYE-tchoo] … sort of an ice-breaker toast:) Another good opener toast is…To our health! Будем здоровы! [BOO-dem zda-RO-vy]The toasts that follow largely depend on the occasion that brought the people together. At a birthday party, the first toast (with wishes of health, success and a long life) is usually to the birthday guy or lady. The second toast is to their parents as a sign of honor.  At a wedding, the first toast is “To the health of the newlyweds.” After that, the guests shout "Горько!"(Gorko!) often and loudly, all through the banquet. “Gorko” literally means "bitter” in Russian, implying the bitterness the wine being drunk. By yelling that the wine is bitter, the guests are inviting the newlyweds to make it sweeter by giving each other a sweet long kiss. As the bride and groom kiss, the guests count the seconds: “Один! Два! Три! Четыре! Пять! ... One, two, three, four, five..." until the kiss is over, whereupon they raise their glasses in a toast.  At a funeral banquet, the first part of the toast is usually an uplifting or touching story about the dearly departed; it is concluded with the words Пусть земля ему/ей будет пухом! Вечная память! (Let the ground in which he/she rests be like goose down. Eternal memory to (him/her). When people in Russia drink to the dead it is customary not to clink glasses.   Without a doubt towards the middle of the party someone usually proposes a toast “За женщин”! “To beautiful ladies!” or “To the ladies present here!" At this point someone else usually says that real men stand up when they drink a toast to beautiful ladies, and they drink to the bottom. All the gentlemen present promptly comply.  The last toast, “На посошок!” / “Na pososhok", is usually pronounced when the guests are about to leave. In olden days, travelers used a walking stick, called posokh or, diminutively, pososhok in Russian, during long journeys. A toast to the walking stick, therefore, is meant to make sure that the return journey is safe.   Learn some Russian today!

The video that goes with this episode can be found on my YouTube channel: <a href="http://youtu.be/bUb103LP9CM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 031</a> Toasting is a huge thing in Russia. Has been for ages. A full glass must be drunk to the bottom after every toast, because “a toast without wine is like a wedding without a bride!” A traditional Russian drinking party usually includes a sequence of several standard toasts. You can refresh them by watching my <a href="http://youtu.be/lu8LAh_66As" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Most Common Russian Drinking Toasts/Phrases video</a>. The most common first toast is... To our meeting! За встречу! [za FSTRYE-tchoo] … sort of an ice-breaker toast:) Another good opener toast is… To our health! Будем здоровы! [BOO-dem zda-RO-vy] The toasts that follow largely depend on the occasion that brought the people together. At a birthday party, the first toast (with wishes of health, success and a long life) is usually to the birthday guy or lady. The second toast is to their parents as a sign of honor. At a wedding, the first toast is “To the health of the newlyweds.” After that, the guests shout "Горько!"(Gorko!) often and loudly, all through the banquet. “Gorko” literally means "bitter” in Russian, implying the bitterness the wine being drunk. By yelling that the wine is bitter, the guests are inviting the newlyweds to make it sweeter by giving each other a sweet long kiss. As the bride and groom kiss, the guests count the seconds: “Один! Два! Три! Четыре! Пять! ... One, two, three, four, five..." until the kiss is over, whereupon they raise their glasses in a toast. At a funeral banquet, the first part of the toast is usually an uplifting or touching story about the dearly departed; it is concluded with the words Пусть земля ему/ей будет пухом! Вечная память! (Let the ground in which he/she rests be like goose down. Eternal memory to (him/her). When people in Russia drink to the dead it is customary not to clink glasses. Without a doubt towards the middle of the party someone usually proposes a toast “За женщин”! “To beautiful ladies!” or “To the ladies present here!" At this point someone else usually says that real men stand up when they drink a toast to beautiful ladies, and they drink to the bottom. All the gentlemen present promptly comply. The last toast, “На посошок!” / “Na pososhok", is usually pronounced when the guests are about to leave. In olden days, travelers used a walking stick, called posokh or, diminutively, pososhok in Russian, during long journeys. A toast to the walking stick, therefore, is meant to make sure that the return journey is safe. Learn some Russian today!

a Spoonful of Russian 031

The video that goes with this episode can be found on my YouTube channel: Episode 030  Asking questions in Russian can be quite a daunting and intimidating task, especially if you try to follow the proper grammar rules of declention, gender agrement, etc. What if you are a beginner? Should you not even try? Of course not.  By knowing basic Russian interrogatives, you'll be able to express your questions, even without an extensive vocabulary or grammar knowledge. Lots of times you don’t even need to form a complete sentence to ask a question. All you need is to know the ‘question word’ and your pointer finger:)  Learn some Russian today!

The video that goes with this episode can be found on my YouTube channel: <a href="http://youtu.be/lxxxi6pSySk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 030</a> Asking questions in Russian can be quite a daunting and intimidating task, especially if you try to follow the proper grammar rules of declention, gender agrement, etc. What if you are a beginner? Should you not even try? Of course not. By knowing basic Russian interrogatives, you'll be able to express your questions, even without an extensive vocabulary or grammar knowledge. Lots of times you don’t even need to form a complete sentence to ask a question. All you need is to know the ‘question word’ and your pointer finger:) Learn some Russian today!

a Spoonful of Russian 030

Ever wanted to pronounce the days of the week in Russian like a native? Piece of cake!

a Spoonful of Russian 029

  Today’s spoonful is going to consist of a useful Russian phrase and a poem in Russian. Don’t worry if you don’t understand the poem. The reason for reading out loud is so that you can get more familiar with the Russian sounds.     As you’ve probably noticed I started this podcast with the expression Добрый день translated as ‘Good afternoon’. There is also Доброе утро (‘Good morning’) and Добрый вечер (‘Good evening’). So when is the appropriate time of the day to use these expressions? Most Russians use the following time frames for them. For example, use Доброе утро from 6am till noon. Use Добрый день from noon till 6pm...and Добрый вечер is used anytime past 6pm and before bedtime.     Now here’s your chance to practice saying Доброе утро, Добрый день, and Добрый вечер in Russian. First I say the phrase, then you’ll hear a sound - that will be your prompt to repeat the phrase after me. Then I repeat the phrase one last time, so you can check your pronunciation. Давайте начнем. Let’s begin.    Доброе утро   Добрый день   Добрый вечер         Замечательно! Wonderful! And now for the poem. I will be reading one of the most popular poems written by Sergei Esenin in 1913. It’s called БЕРЕЗА (The Birch-Tree). It was part of my middle school program, and I can still recite it by memory.   The Birch-Tree  Just below my window Stands a birch-tree white, Under snow in winter Gleaming silver bright.  On the fluffy branches Sparkling in a row Dangle pretty tassels Of the purest snow  There the birch in silence Slumbers all day long And the snow gleams brightly In the golden sun.  And the dawn demurely Going on its rounds With a silver mantle Decks again the boughs  (translation by Peter Tempest)  This is your spoonful of Russian for today.     I encourage you, my Listener, to leave me a voicemail. It can be a question, a comment, a suggestion.     Your feedback and ratings on iTunes means a lot to me. I read every single comment. It just makes my day.     До свидания and stay hungry for the next Spoonful of Russian! - Leave a quick voicemail calling: 209-980-7877 (209-980-RUSS) - For longer question email: spoonfulofrussian@gmail.com - twitter: @russianspoonful (with hashtag #askNataliaW ) - YouTube: youtube.com/spoonfulofrussian

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8lXXpd_r1Mw/U9qjVjiMhrI/AAAAAAAADMk/QX7qNvEmhM4/s1600/112.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Today’s spoonful is going to consist of a useful Russian phrase and a poem in Russian. Don’t worry if you don’t understand the poem. The reason for reading out loud is so that you can get more familiar with the Russian sounds. As you’ve probably noticed I started this podcast with the expression Добрый день translated as ‘Good afternoon’. There is also Доброе утро (‘Good morning’) and Добрый вечер (‘Good evening’). So when is the appropriate time of the day to use these expressions? Most Russians use the following time frames for them. For example, use Доброе утро from 6am till noon. Use Добрый день from noon till 6pm...and Добрый вечер is used anytime past 6pm and before bedtime. Now here’s your chance to practice saying Доброе утро, Добрый день, and Добрый вечер in Russian. First I say the phrase, then you’ll hear a sound - that will be your prompt to repeat the phrase after me. Then I repeat the phrase one last time, so you can check your pronunciation. Давайте начнем. Let’s begin. Доброе утро Добрый день Добрый вечер <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PM5sfLXeHw0/VAmmM00KGMI/AAAAAAAADN0/6gKga6pBEjk/s1600/IMG_8190.JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Замечательно! Wonderful! And now for the poem. I will be reading one of the most popular poems written by Sergei Esenin in 1913. It’s called БЕРЕЗА (The Birch-Tree). It was part of my middle school program, and I can still recite it by memory. The Birch-Tree Just below my window Stands a birch-tree white, Under snow in winter Gleaming silver bright. On the fluffy branches Sparkling in a row Dangle pretty tassels Of the purest snow There the birch in silence Slumbers all day long And the snow gleams brightly In the golden sun. And the dawn demurely Going on its rounds With a silver mantle Decks again the boughs (translation by Peter Tempest) This is your spoonful of Russian for today. I encourage you, my Listener, to leave me a voicemail. It can be a question, a comment, a suggestion. Your <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-spoonful-of-russian/id79453758" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">feedback and ratings on iTunes</a> means a lot to me. I read every single comment. It just makes my day. До свидания and stay hungry for the next Spoonful of Russian! - Leave a quick voicemail calling: 209-980-7877 (209-980-RUSS) - For longer question email: <a href="mailto:spoonfulofrussian@gmail.com">spoonfulofrussian@gmail.com</a> - twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/russianspoonful" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@russianspoonful</a> (with hashtag #askNataliaW ) - YouTube: <a href="http://youtube.com/spoonfulofrussian" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">youtube.com/spoonfulofrussian</a>

a Spoonful of Russian 028

Ever wanted to know how to call your family members in Russian? I don't mean nicknames:) I mean official titles.

Russian Vocabulary: Family (Семья)

Almost everybody has a book that they read and re-read in their childhood. When we read it again as adults it takes us back into the wonderful world of childhood fantasies and dreams.  I have a book like that too. In Russian it was called "О чём думает моя голова". Translated into English "What's on My Mind". It's a collection of short stories about 2 elementary school girls, the best of friends. About their everyday adventures, how they made friends, how they took revenge on enemies, tried to avoid problems at school, how they pleaded with their parents to adopt a puppy, and more. Basically, I saw myself in one of those girls. The best part is that the narrator  is one of the girls, and you can really hear a 3rd-grader talking. Kids come alive in the pages of the book.   I am lucky enough to have the very same copy of my favorite book with me. Today I wanted to share the first chapter with you. If you are a beginner and cannot follow, don't despair. Simply hearing the Russian speech will aid you in your studies. I am reading at a normal speed.  О Чём Думает Моя Голова - читаем вслух

Almost everybody has a book that they read and re-read in their childhood. When we read it again as adults it takes us back into the wonderful world of childhood fantasies and dreams. I have a book like that too. In Russian it was called "О чём думает моя голова". Translated into English "What's on My Mind". It's a collection of short stories about 2 elementary school girls, the best of friends. About their everyday adventures, how they made friends, how they took revenge on enemies, tried to avoid problems at school, how they pleaded with their parents to adopt a puppy, and more. Basically, I saw myself in one of those girls. The best part is that the narrator  is one of the girls, and you can really hear a 3rd-grader talking. Kids come alive in the pages of the book. I am lucky enough to have the very same copy of my favorite book with me. Today I wanted to share the first chapter with you. If you are a beginner and cannot follow, don't despair. Simply hearing the Russian speech will aid you in your studies. I am reading at a normal speed. О Чём Думает Моя Голова - читаем вслух

What's On My Mind (О Чём Думает Моя Голова) reading out loud

Many of you probably know that Russians have always been big on celebrating the New Year rather than Christmas.  After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed.  Today, it's once again celebrated in grand fashion, with the faithful participating in an all-night Mass in incense-filled Cathedrals amidst the company of fellow believers and the painted icons of the Saints of old.  The Russian Orthodox Church still uses the old Julian calendar; therefore, its Christmas celebration falls on January 7th. It's a day of both solemn ritual and joyous celebration. Before this date, Orthodox Russians fast for 40 days. The Lent period ends with the first star in the night sky on January 6 -- a symbol of Jesus Christ's birth. Many Orthodox Christians go to the church to attend a Christmas liturgy that evening.  So today It would be more than appropriate to teach you how to say Merry Christmas in Russian.  'Merry Christmas' will be 'С Рождеством Христовым'   (S Rozh-deh-stvom Khris-to-vym)

Many of you probably know that Russians have always been big on celebrating the New Year rather than Christmas. After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. It wasn't until 75 years later, in 1992, that the holiday was openly observed. Today, it's once again celebrated in grand fashion, with the faithful participating in an all-night Mass in incense-filled Cathedrals amidst the company of fellow believers and the painted icons of the Saints of old. The Russian Orthodox Church still uses the old Julian calendar; therefore, its Christmas celebration falls on January 7th. It's a day of both solemn ritual and joyous celebration. Before this date, Orthodox Russians fast for 40 days. The Lent period ends with the first star in the night sky on January 6 -- a symbol of Jesus Christ's birth. Many Orthodox Christians go to the church to attend a Christmas liturgy that evening. So today It would be more than appropriate to teach you how to say Merry Christmas in Russian. 'Merry Christmas' will be 'С Рождеством Христовым'  (S Rozh-deh-stvom Khris-to-vym)

Russian Christmas (Рождество)

Most Common Russian Drinking Toasts. There are more, but these will get you started:)

Most Common Russian Drinking Toasts

 Little Fir Tree (В Лесу Родилась Ёлочка).    This is the most popular Russian New Year's song. Every Russian knows it. It's something that no winter holiday can do without. The song was born in 1903 and since then it brings joy and excitement to Russian kids just like that little fir tree from the song.  Автор текста (слов): Кудашева Раиса Адамовна Композитор (музыка): Бекман Леонид Карлович"В лесу родилась елочка"  В лесу родилась елочка, В лесу она росла, Зимой и летом стройная, Зеленая была. Зимой и летом стройная, Зеленая была.  Метель ей пела песенку: "Спи, елочка, бай-бай!" Мороз снежком укутывал: "Смотри, не замерзай!" Мороз снежком укутывал: "Смотри, не замерзай!"  Трусишка - зайка серенький Под елочкой скакал. Порою волк, сердитый волк, Рысцою пробегал. Порою волк, сердитый волк, Рысцою пробегал.  Чу! Снег по лесу частому Под полозом скрипит; Лошадка мохноногая Торопится, бежит. Лошадка мохноногая Торопится, бежит.  Везет лошадка дровеньки, А в дровнях старичок, Срубил он нашу елочку Под самый корешок. Срубил он нашу елочку Под самый корешок.  Теперь ты здесь нарядная, На праздник к нам пришла, И много, много радости Детишкам принесла. И много, много радости Детишкам принесла ------------------------------------------------------  (the English Translation)  In the woods a spruce was born, It was growing in the wood In summer and winter it was straight and green.  The blizzard sang it a lullaby: Sleep dear spruce, sleep tight! The frost put snow around it saying: Don't freeze!  The timid grey rabbit hopped under the tree, From time to time The angry wolf just trotted by.  Hush, listen! Deep in the woods Snow scratches under a sleigh. A heavy horse Runs smoothly.  The sleigh carries firewood, and in it was an old man He chopped it down at the very roots.  And here it is, all dressed up, it's come to us for the holiday And lots and lots of happiness it brought to the children.

Little Fir Tree (В Лесу Родилась Ёлочка).   This is the most popular Russian New Year's song. Every Russian knows it. It's something that no winter holiday can do without. The song was born in 1903 and since then it brings joy and excitement to Russian kids just like that little fir tree from the song. Автор текста (слов): Кудашева Раиса Адамовна Композитор (музыка): Бекман Леонид Карлович "В лесу родилась елочка" В лесу родилась елочка, В лесу она росла, Зимой и летом стройная, Зеленая была. Зимой и летом стройная, Зеленая была. Метель ей пела песенку: "Спи, елочка, бай-бай!" Мороз снежком укутывал: "Смотри, не замерзай!" Мороз снежком укутывал: "Смотри, не замерзай!" Трусишка - зайка серенький Под елочкой скакал. Порою волк, сердитый волк, Рысцою пробегал. Порою волк, сердитый волк, Рысцою пробегал. Чу! Снег по лесу частому Под полозом скрипит; Лошадка мохноногая Торопится, бежит. Лошадка мохноногая Торопится, бежит. Везет лошадка дровеньки, А в дровнях старичок, Срубил он нашу елочку Под самый корешок. Срубил он нашу елочку Под самый корешок. Теперь ты здесь нарядная, На праздник к нам пришла, И много, много радости Детишкам принесла. И много, много радости Детишкам принесла ------------------------------------------------------ (the English Translation) In the woods a spruce was born, It was growing in the wood In summer and winter it was straight and green. The blizzard sang it a lullaby: Sleep dear spruce, sleep tight! The frost put snow around it saying: Don't freeze! The timid grey rabbit hopped under the tree, From time to time The angry wolf just trotted by. Hush, listen! Deep in the woods Snow scratches under a sleigh. A heavy horse Runs smoothly. The sleigh carries firewood, and in it was an old man He chopped it down at the very roots. And here it is, all dressed up, it's come to us for the holiday And lots and lots of happiness it brought to the children.

Little Fir Tree (В Лесу Родилась Ёлочка) Happy New 2014!

Learn Russian language from a Russian online tutor at your own pace. Natalia teaches via Skype and other video chat services. Russian lessons are tailor-made for all students. Experience authentic Russian pronunciation, see Russian alphabet written in cursive in real time, enjoy free supplemental YouTube videos.

Amazing I always wanted to learn Russian and now I have a basic start! :)

Thank you so much.

Excellent podcast. It is really helpful and very well produced.

Best Russian Language Podcast

A Spoonful of Russian - Learn Russian Online from Russian Tutor

You'll be surprised how many words you would be able to recognize without studying any Russian. The words I am talking about are cognates - words borrowed from a foreign language that share a common pronunciation and meaning.The Russian version of an English word may look intimidating to you at first, but as you become familiar with the Russian characters you'll learn to recognize a cognate when you see it.1. теннис 2. доллар 3. баскетбол 4. доктор 5. Нью-Йорк 6. Калифорния 7. бейсбол 8. университет 9. адрес 10. офис 11. футбол 12. телефон 13. бар 14. ресторан 15. такси 16. мафия     --------------------------------------------------------  The song from the show is "Katyusha" recorded in 1938.  "Катюша" Расцветали яблони и груши Поплыли туманы над рекой Выходила на берег Катюша На высокий берег на крутой  Выходила песню заводила Про степного сизого орла Про того которого любила Про того чьи письма берегла  Ой ты песня песенка девичья Ты лети за ясным солнцем вслед И бойцу на дальнем пограничье От Катюши передай привет  Пусть он вспомнит девушку простую Пусть услышит как она поет Пусть он землю сбережет родную А любовь Катюша сбережет Пусть он землю сбережет родную А любовь Катюша сбережет  Расцветали яблони и груши Поплыли туманы над рекой Выходила на берег Катюша На высокий берег на крутой Выходила на берег Катюша На высокий берег на крутой Here's the translation for "КАТЮША" song. To find out more about the story behind the song, see this Wikipedia article I found to be very helpful.This lesson is a day premature, but with the hurricane in the area I'd rather be safe than sorry:)

You'll be surprised how many words you would be able to recognize without studying any Russian. The words I am talking about are cognates - words borrowed from a foreign language that share a common pronunciation and meaning.The Russian version of an English word may look intimidating to you at first, but as you become familiar with the Russian characters you'll learn to recognize a cognate when you see it. 1. теннис 2. доллар 3. баскетбол 4. доктор 5. Нью-Йорк 6. Калифорния 7. бейсбол 8. университет 9. адрес 10. офис 11. футбол 12. телефон 13. бар 14. ресторан 15. такси 16. мафия <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4d2aRfz4hI/UYPbD9RXxaI/AAAAAAAAC7k/iaZOkXzj_U4/s1600/photo.PNG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> -------------------------------------------------------- The song from the show is "Katyusha" recorded in 1938. "Катюша" Расцветали яблони и груши Поплыли туманы над рекой Выходила на берег Катюша На высокий берег на крутой Выходила песню заводила Про степного сизого орла Про того которого любила Про того чьи письма берегла Ой ты песня песенка девичья Ты лети за ясным солнцем вслед И бойцу на дальнем пограничье От Катюши передай привет Пусть он вспомнит девушку простую Пусть услышит как она поет Пусть он землю сбережет родную А любовь Катюша сбережет Пусть он землю сбережет родную А любовь Катюша сбережет Расцветали яблони и груши Поплыли туманы над рекой Выходила на берег Катюша На высокий берег на крутой Выходила на берег Катюша На высокий берег на крутой Here's the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katyusha_%28song%29#Lyrics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">translation for "КАТЮША"</a> song. To find out more about the story behind the song, see this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katyusha_%28song%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wikipedia article</a> I found to be very helpful. This lesson is a day premature, but with the hurricane in the area I'd rather be safe than sorry:)

Lesson 4 - Alphabet and Words you Already Know

How do you say 'Goodbye' in Russian? This show teaches you a couple of ways to do that. As you listen, the images below will help you visually.  - Пока, Эмили. - Пока, мам.  - До свидания, Эмили. - До свидания, папа.Sorry for the quality of the show's audio. Was out of town, and recording was made on my notebook. I am hoping that I'll have all my usual gear unharmed (by hurricane Katrina) when I go back to New Orleans, La. on Monday.

How do you say 'Goodbye' in Russian? This show teaches you a couple of ways to do that. As you listen, the images below will help you visually. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/bye.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> - Пока, Эмили. - Пока, мам. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/goodbye.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> - До свидания, Эмили. - До свидания, папа. Sorry for the quality of the show's audio. Was out of town, and recording was made on my notebook. I am hoping that I'll have all my usual gear unharmed (by hurricane Katrina) when I go back to New Orleans, La. on Monday.

Lesson 2 - Saying 'Goodbye'

• ❑ Opening Word  Ну, здравствуйте, мои дорогие слушатели = Well, hello, my dear listeners!  Как вы поживаете? = 'How are you?'  'Как вы поживаете' is basically the same as 'Как дела'. The difference is in the use. I'd never say 'Как дела' to a person I just met, or to someone who's a lot older than I am. 'Как дела' is reserved for close friends, family and children. The use of 'Как поживаете' in turn is more appropriate  when addressing people much older than you, groups of people, someone you don't know very well, or simply to show respect.   So, как вы поживаете? У меня всё хорошо. (I am doing fine). Are you ready for another spoonful of Russian today?  • ❑     Lesson#14 - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  It would be more than appropriate to teach you a few Christmas and New Year-related phrases.   Many of you probably know that Russians have always been big on celebrating the New Year's rather than Christmas. After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. In 1992 the Christmas celebration was revived and announced to be an official state holiday.  Note that the Orthodox Christmas falls after the Western Christmas on the 7th of January! Together with the Russians the Orthodox Christmas is celebrated by Romanians and Serbs, while the Greeks adopted the Western Christmas.  Did you know that the New Year holiday has been celebrated in Russia for more than 300 years? It's Peter the Great who established the New Year celebration on the 1st of January. In his documents the evergreen trees were considered the main decoration for the holiday.  That will explain my choice  for today's song later.   But let us turn to Russian Christmas and New Year vocabulary.   Now, during the time right before the New Year holiday people say 'С Наступающим Новым Годом' literally 'With forthcoming New Year'. But I'd translate is as 'Happy Holidays'!  Natalia:    Джулия, с Наступающим Новым Годом! (S Nas-too-pah-you-schim Novym Godum) Julia:        И тебя тоже, мам.(Ee te-byah toh-zhah, mum) = ('You, too, Mom.')  When the clock strikes 12 on January 1st, it's safe to yell out: 'С Новым Годом!' You can hear people saying 'С Новым Годом' well into February. Especially to the ones they haven't seen since the previous year:)  'Merry Christmas' will be 'С Рождеством Христовым' (S Rozh-deh-stvom  Khris-to-vym). I do not remember the particulars of the Russian Christmas celebration, since I left Russia in 1995. But I did some research on the subject and compiled some facts that I hope you'll find interesting. You can find the text file 'Russian Christmas' in my 'downloads' section.  Once again, if you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas, say 'С Рождеством Христовым!' And if you want to wish a Happy New Year, say 'С Новым Годом!'  But all through the holiday season  'С праздником' (S prahz-knee-kom) will be always appropriate and timely.  'С праздником, дорогие товарищи!  :)))))))  Well, maybe not that official... 'товарищи' means 'comrades'. 'С праздником, друзья!'  ----  'Happy holidays, friends!'  Now, that's more like it.• ❑ Song  "В лесу родилась ёлочка"   ("A Little Fir Tree's Born") performed by a children's choir. This is the most popular Russian New Year's song. Every Russian knows it. It's something that no winter holiday can do without. The author of the lyrics is a school teacher, who was also a librarian: Raisa Adamovna Kudashova. The song was born in 1903 and since then it brings joy and excitement to Russian kids just like that little fir tree from the song......  "В лесу родилась елочка"  В лесу родилась елочка,  В лесу она росла,  Зимой и летом стройная,  Зеленая была.  Зимой и летом стройная,  Зеленая была.  Метель ей пела песенку:   "Спи, елочка, бай-бай!"  Мороз снежком укутывал:  "Смотри, не замерзай!"  Мороз снежком укутывал:  "Смотри, не замерзай!"  Трусишка - зайка серенький  Под елочкой скакал.  Порою волк, сердитый волк,  Рысцою пробегал.  Порою волк, сердитый волк,  Рысцою пробегал.  Чу! Снег по лесу частому  Под полозом скрипит;  Лошадка мохноногая  Торопится, бежит.  Лошадка мохноногая  Торопится, бежит.  Везет лошадка дровеньки,  А в дровнях старичок,  Срубил он нашу елочку  Под самый корешок.  Срубил он нашу елочку  Под самый корешок.  Теперь ты здесь нарядная,  На праздник к нам пришла,  И много, много радости  Детишкам принесла.  И много, много радости  Детишкам принесла ------------------------------------------------------  (the English Translation)  In the woods a spruce was born,  It was growing in the wood  In summer and winter  it was straight and green.    The blizzard sang it a lullaby:  Sleep dear spruce, sleep tight!  The frost put snow around it  saying: Don't freeze!    The timid grey rabbit  hopped under the tree,  From time to time  The angry wolf just trotted by.    Hush, listen! Deep in the woods  Snow scratches under a sleigh.  A heavy horse   Runs smoothly.    The sleigh carries firewood,  and in it was an old man  He chopped it down  at the very roots.    And here it is, all dressed up,  it's come to us for the holiday  And lots and lots of happiness  it brought to the children.   And here is the same song performed by my 10 year-old Emily:• ❑ Closing Word  Вот и всё. That's it.  А я прощаюсь с вами и говорю вам 'Счастливого Рождества и с Наступающим Новым Годом!'  (I am saying 'good-bye' and 'Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!')   Увидимся в следующем году! ('See you next year!')

• ❑ Opening Word Ну, здравствуйте, мои дорогие слушатели = Well, hello, my dear listeners! Как вы поживаете? = 'How are you?' 'Как вы поживаете' is basically the same as 'Как дела'. The difference is in the use. I'd never say 'Как дела' to a person I just met, or to someone who's a lot older than I am. 'Как дела' is reserved for close friends, family and children. The use of 'Как поживаете' in turn is more appropriate when addressing people much older than you, groups of people, someone you don't know very well, or simply to show respect. So, как вы поживаете? У меня всё хорошо. (I am doing fine). Are you ready for another spoonful of Russian today? • ❑ Lesson#14 - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It would be more than appropriate to teach you a few Christmas and New Year-related phrases. Many of you probably know that Russians have always been big on celebrating the New Year's rather than Christmas. After the 1917 Revolution, Christmas was banned throughout Russia, along with other religious celebrations. In 1992 the Christmas celebration was revived and announced to be an official state holiday. Note that the Orthodox Christmas falls after the Western Christmas on the 7th of January! Together with the Russians the Orthodox Christmas is celebrated by Romanians and Serbs, while the Greeks adopted the Western Christmas. Did you know that the New Year holiday has been celebrated in Russia for more than 300 years? It's Peter the Great who established the New Year celebration on the 1st of January. In his documents the evergreen trees were considered the main decoration for the holiday. That will explain my choice for today's song later. But let us turn to Russian Christmas and New Year vocabulary. Now, during the time right before the New Year holiday people say 'С Наступающим Новым Годом' literally 'With forthcoming New Year'. But I'd translate is as 'Happy Holidays'! Natalia: Джулия, с Наступающим Новым Годом! (S Nas-too-pah-you-schim Novym Godum) Julia: И тебя тоже, мам.(Ee te-byah toh-zhah, mum) = ('You, too, Mom.') When the clock strikes 12 on January 1st, it's safe to yell out: 'С Новым Годом!' You can hear people saying 'С Новым Годом' well into February. Especially to the ones they haven't seen since the previous year:) 'Merry Christmas' will be 'С Рождеством Христовым' (S Rozh-deh-stvom Khris-to-vym). I do not remember the particulars of the Russian Christmas celebration, since I left Russia in 1995. But I did some research on the subject and compiled some facts that I hope you'll find interesting. You can find the text file 'Russian Christmas' in my '<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/spoonfulofrussiandl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">downloads</a>' section. Once again, if you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas, say 'С Рождеством Христовым!' And if you want to wish a Happy New Year, say 'С Новым Годом!' But all through the holiday season 'С праздником' (S prahz-knee-kom) will be always appropriate and timely. 'С праздником, дорогие товарищи! :))))))) Well, maybe not that official... 'товарищи' means 'comrades'. 'С праздником, друзья!' ---- 'Happy holidays, friends!' Now, that's more like it. • ❑ Song "В лесу родилась ёлочка" ("A Little Fir Tree's Born") performed by a children's choir. This is the most popular Russian New Year's song. Every Russian knows it. It's something that no winter holiday can do without. The author of the lyrics is a school teacher, who was also a librarian: Raisa Adamovna Kudashova. The song was born in 1903 and since then it brings joy and excitement to Russian kids just like that little fir tree from the song...... "В лесу родилась елочка" В лесу родилась елочка,  В лесу она росла,  Зимой и летом стройная,  Зеленая была.  Зимой и летом стройная,  Зеленая была. Метель ей пела песенку:   "Спи, елочка, бай-бай!"  Мороз снежком укутывал:  "Смотри, не замерзай!"  Мороз снежком укутывал:  "Смотри, не замерзай!" Трусишка - зайка серенький  Под елочкой скакал.  Порою волк, сердитый волк,  Рысцою пробегал.  Порою волк, сердитый волк,  Рысцою пробегал. Чу! Снег по лесу частому  Под полозом скрипит;  Лошадка мохноногая  Торопится, бежит.  Лошадка мохноногая  Торопится, бежит. Везет лошадка дровеньки,  А в дровнях старичок,  Срубил он нашу елочку  Под самый корешок.  Срубил он нашу елочку  Под самый корешок. Теперь ты здесь нарядная,  На праздник к нам пришла,  И много, много радости  Детишкам принесла.  И много, много радости  Детишкам принесла ------------------------------------------------------ (the English Translation) In the woods a spruce was born,  It was growing in the wood  In summer and winter  it was straight and green.   The blizzard sang it a lullaby:  Sleep dear spruce, sleep tight!  The frost put snow around it  saying: Don't freeze!   The timid grey rabbit  hopped under the tree,  From time to time  The angry wolf just trotted by.   Hush, listen! Deep in the woods  Snow scratches under a sleigh.  A heavy horse   Runs smoothly.   The sleigh carries firewood,  and in it was an old man  He chopped it down  at the very roots.   And here it is, all dressed up,  it's come to us for the holiday  And lots and lots of happiness  it brought to the children. And here is the same song performed by my 10 year-old Emily: • ❑ Closing Word Вот и всё. That's it. А я прощаюсь с вами и говорю вам 'Счастливого Рождества и с Наступающим Новым Годом!' (I am saying 'good-bye' and 'Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!') Увидимся в следующем году! ('See you next year!')

Lesson 14 - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Learn some Russian words related to weather, seasons, and pets.  Twitter @russianspoonful Email:  spoonfulofrussian@gmail.com

Learn some Russian words related to weather, seasons, and pets. Twitter @russianspoonful Email:  spoonfulofrussian@gmail.com

Russian Vocabulary - Weather, Seasons, Pets

Topic - Birthday Greetings  • ❑1 introДобрый день, друзья! (Hello, friends!) Как дела? (How are you?) Надеюсь, что у вас все хорошо. (Hope you are doing well.)    Thank you for keeping up with this podcast even though I do not produce them as often as I'd like to. I am excited to get e-mails and comments on the spoonfulofrussian.com site. Your enthusiasm is contageous! For those who asked about the condition of our house, we just sold our restored home and are planning on moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, right after our trip to Russia in August.  I can hardly wait!• ❑2 Happy Birthday!  It's lesson 12 (двенадцатый урок). Tomorrow we'll be celebrating my youngest daughter's 6th birthday. I taught my daughters to say a few birthday greetings in Russian. Let me share them with you.  So, How do you say 'Happy Birthday' in Russian?   Эмили:     "I know."    It's  "С Днем Рождения". That's right, Emily. "С Днем Рождения" means 'Happy Birthday' .  So, what are you going to say to your sister tomorrow? Эмили:  'С Днем Рождения, Джулия". To which Julia will probably reply "Спасибо, Емили".  Then Russians usually wish health, happiness and longevity to the birthday person among other things. The phraze 'I wish you' will be 'Я желаю тебе...' (informal, to be used addressing friends, family, children) or ' Я желаю Вам'... (formal, to be used addressing older people, people you are not very close to, or just to show respect).   Can you say 'Я желаю тебе...'     'Я желаю Вам...'?  Good. Let us wish Julia health. 'Я желаю тебе здоровья'. Emily: 'Я желаю тебе здоровья'. Now, let's wish her happiness. 'Я желаю тебе счастья'. Emily: 'Я желаю тебе счастья'. Let's also wish her long life - долгих лет жизни.  'Я желаю тебе долгих лет жизни.'  Emily: 'Я желаю тебе долгих лет жизни.' Молодец, Эми. What would I do without you? ('Что бы я без тебя делала?') Emily:  'Пожалуйста, мама.'  Alright! Now you know what to say next time you are invited to a Russian birthday party. And if any of my listeners happen to celebrate their birthday today, we are saying 'С Днем Рождения' to you!   Here are the phrases again:        • ❑3 song  For the musical part of today's podcast I chose a song from a Russian cartoon "Cheboorashka". The character that sings this song is happy on a very dreary day. It's his birthday! The people passing by cannot understand why he's so happy.  The singer also regrets that birthdays only come once a year.    " Чебурашка и Крокодил Гена"День рождения  Пусть бегут неуклюже Пешеходы по лужам, А вода по асфальту рекой. И не ясно прохожим В этот день непогожий, Отчего я веселый такой.  А я играю на гармошке У прохожих на виду. К сожаленью, день рожденья Только раз в году.  Прилетит вдруг волшебник В голубом вертолете, И бесплатно покажет кино. С днем рождения поздравит И конечно, подарит Мне в подарок пятьсот  "эскимо".I even mada a video tutorial for you. Enjoy!• ❑4 closing  I hope you enjoyed the song and learned something new today. As always, e-mail me if you have any comments or questions. My e-mail address is speakrussian at mac dot com.  You can also leave your comments on this website.   До свидания и всего хорошего! ('Good bye and all the best')!

Topic - Birthday Greetings • ❑1 intro Добрый день, друзья! (Hello, friends!) Как дела? (How are you?) Надеюсь, что у вас все хорошо. (Hope you are doing well.) <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/Screenshot_1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Thank you for keeping up with this podcast even though I do not produce them as often as I'd like to. I am excited to get e-mails and comments on the <a href="http://spoonfulofrussian.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spoonfulofrussian.com</a> site. Your enthusiasm is contageous! For those who asked about the condition of our house, we just sold our restored home and are planning on moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, right after our trip to Russia in August. I can hardly wait! • ❑2 Happy Birthday! It's lesson 12 (двенадцатый урок). Tomorrow we'll be celebrating my youngest daughter's 6th birthday. I taught my daughters to say a few birthday greetings in Russian. Let me share them with you. So, How do you say 'Happy Birthday' in Russian? Эмили: "I know." It's "С Днем Рождения". That's right, Emily. "С Днем Рождения" means 'Happy Birthday' . So, what are you going to say to your sister tomorrow? Эмили: 'С Днем Рождения, Джулия". To which Julia will probably reply "Спасибо, Емили". Then Russians usually wish health, happiness and longevity to the birthday person among other things. The phraze 'I wish you' will be 'Я желаю тебе...' (informal, to be used addressing friends, family, children) or ' Я желаю Вам'... (formal, to be used addressing older people, people you are not very close to, or just to show respect). Can you say 'Я желаю тебе...' 'Я желаю Вам...'? Good. Let us wish Julia health. 'Я желаю тебе здоровья'. Emily: 'Я желаю тебе здоровья'. Now, let's wish her happiness. 'Я желаю тебе счастья'. Emily: 'Я желаю тебе счастья'. Let's also wish her long life - долгих лет жизни. 'Я желаю тебе долгих лет жизни.' Emily: 'Я желаю тебе долгих лет жизни.' Молодец, Эми. What would I do without you? ('Что бы я без тебя делала?') Emily: 'Пожалуйста, мама.' Alright! Now you know what to say next time you are invited to a Russian birthday party. And if any of my listeners happen to celebrate their birthday today, we are saying 'С Днем Рождения' to you! Here are the phrases again: <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/Screenshot_2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/Screenshot_3.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/Screenshot_4.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/Screenshot_5.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> • ❑3 song For the musical part of today's podcast I chose a song from a Russian cartoon "Cheboorashka". The character that sings this song is happy on a very dreary day. It's his birthday! The people passing by cannot understand why he's so happy. The singer also regrets that birthdays only come once a year. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/gena_cheboorashka.gif" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> " Чебурашка и Крокодил Гена" День рождения Пусть бегут неуклюже Пешеходы по лужам, А вода по асфальту рекой. И не ясно прохожим В этот день непогожий, Отчего я веселый такой. А я играю на гармошке У прохожих на виду. К сожаленью, день рожденья Только раз в году. Прилетит вдруг волшебник В голубом вертолете, И бесплатно покажет кино. С днем рождения поздравит И конечно, подарит Мне в подарок пятьсот "эскимо". I even mada a video tutorial for you. Enjoy! • ❑4 closing I hope you enjoyed the song and learned something new today. As always, e-mail me if you have any comments or questions. My e-mail address is speakrussian at mac dot com. You can also leave your comments on this website. До свидания и всего хорошего! ('Good bye and all the best')!

Lesson 12 - Happy Birthday!

 Subscribers spoke. Some of you mentioned you would enjoy listening to Russian spoken without thinking of grammar. I've been thinking of doing it for a while now. Auditory training is an integral part of any foreign language learning.   Thus, I created a dedicated playlist within my YouTube channel. I hope to fill it with masterful creations of Russian poets.     Question: would any of the parents of young kids out there be interested in Russian fairy tale/poetry/short stories recorded by 'yours truly'?   Finally, I am not ashamed of the audio quality. Just received my RODE Podcaster mic back from repair!  

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-HM4XcJUpk/UZUIKDhddAI/AAAAAAAADGA/xy27bBvoElY/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Subscribers spoke. Some of you mentioned you would enjoy listening to Russian spoken without thinking of grammar. I've been thinking of doing it for a while now. Auditory training is an integral part of any foreign language learning. Thus, I created a dedicated playlist within my YouTube channel. I hope to fill it with masterful creations of Russian poets.  Question: would any of the parents of young kids out there be interested in Russian fairy tale/poetry/short stories recorded by 'yours truly'?  Finally, I am not ashamed of the audio quality. Just received my RODE Podcaster mic back from repair! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg9B49zkXxk/UZUIfeJZnWI/AAAAAAAADGI/lupMDwP5nWY/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>

Гой Ты, Русь - Сергей Есенин / Hey there, Russia

Lesson on bilabial stop consonants [p] [b] and dental consonants [n] [t] [d]1. Greeting by a subscriber (Thank you, Jeanette, and Happy Birthday!) - Спасибо! С днём рождения!  2. Recommendation of recording apps  - Voice Record Pro (for iOS) - Hi-Q mp3 Voice Recorder (for Android)  Another way - Google voice 209-980-RUSS (209-980-7877)  BIG thanks to all who show their support by:  - purchasing authentic Russian food at Russiantable.com also via a banner  3. Lesson - bilabial stop consonants [p] [b] and dental consonants [n] [t] [d]Twitter @russianspoonful Email:  spoonfulofrussian@gmail.com Website: speakrussian.blogspot.com  You can also leave a voicemail by dialing 209-980-RUSS (209-980-7877) and I will play your recording on the air and will try my best to answer  p.s. my apologies again for the sub-par sound. IPad's mic produces uneven sound even with a slight deviation from it. Can't wait till I get a Mac!  p.p.s. I also appreciate your rating of the podcast in iTunes:)  To all my Russian friends: "С Днём Победы!"

Lesson on bilabial stop consonants [p] [b] and dental consonants [n] [t] [d] 1. Greeting by a subscriber (Thank you, Jeanette, and Happy Birthday!) - Спасибо! С днём рождения! 2. Recommendation of recording apps - Voice Record Pro (for iOS) - Hi-Q mp3 Voice Recorder (for Android) Another way - Google voice 209-980-RUSS (209-980-7877) BIG thanks to all who show their support by: - purchasing authentic Russian food at <a href="http://www.russiantable.com/store/affiliate/b.asp?id=512" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Russiantable.com</a> also via a banner 3. Lesson - bilabial stop consonants [p] [b] and dental consonants [n] [t] [d] Twitter @russianspoonful Email:  spoonfulofrussian@gmail.com Website: <a href="http://speakrussian.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">speakrussian.blogspot.com</a> You can also leave a voicemail by dialing 209-980-RUSS (209-980-7877) and I will play your recording on the air and will try my best to answer p.s. my apologies again for the sub-par sound. IPad's mic produces uneven sound even with a slight deviation from it. Can't wait till I get a Mac! p.p.s. I also appreciate your rating of the podcast in iTunes:) To all my Russian friends: "С Днём Победы!"

Lesson 26 - Consonants [p][b] and [n][t][d]

Sounds like cognates are the single greatest friend to folks learning Russian. However, as with most good things there are pitfalls. And these pitfalls are called 'false cognates'. A 'false cognate' is a word that shares a similar pronunciation between two languages, but means one thing in one language and something else in the other. You'd sound pretty silly if a Russian asked you what you were doing ('Что вы делаете?') and you'd answer 'Я читаю магазин' (which means 'I am reading a store')....  'False Cognates" examples.The dialogue at the beginning of the show:

Sounds like cognates are the single greatest friend to folks learning Russian. However, as with most good things there are pitfalls. And these pitfalls are called 'false cognates'. A 'false cognate' is a word that shares a similar pronunciation between two languages, but means one thing in one language and something else in the other. You'd sound pretty silly if a Russian asked you what you were doing ('Что вы делаете?') and you'd answer 'Я читаю магазин' (which means 'I am reading a store').... <a href="http://masterrussian.com/blfalse.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'False Cognates" examples.</a> The dialogue at the beginning of the show:

Lesson 5 - Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Learn some sport-related vocabulary words in Russian.

Спорт - Sports (Russian Vocabulary)

Korney Chukovsky

Крокодил - Корней Чуковский - Часть 1 / "The Crocodile" by Korney Chukovsky - part 1

Привет, дорогие слушатели. (Hi, dear listeners). Сегодня суббота, 22 октября. (Today's Saturday, Oct. 22nd.)Let's check your homework from the previous lesson#7:Exercise 7.11. Туристы летают в Мексико-Сити из Нью-Йорка на самолете .Tourists travel from New York to Mexico City (by plane).2. Люди ездят на работу на автобусе в Атланте.People go to work in Atlanta (by bus).3. Поездка в Европу на теплоходе 3 месяца.The journey to Europe (by boat) is 3 months long.4. Мы ходим пешком к бабушке.We walk (by foot) to Grandma's house.5. Я поеду к врачу на машине завтра.I will drive (by car) to the doctor's office tomorrow.6. Они катались со спуска горы на лыжах .They went down the side of the mountain by (on skis).Exercise 7.21. Дорога идет вдоль берега.The road goes (alongside) the shoreline.2. Где находится магазин? Он за углом .Where is the store located? It's (around the corner).3. Кафе рядом с метро.The cafe is (next to) the subway.4. Я вас видел вчера. Куда вы шли?I saw you yesterday. (Where) were you going?5. Никак не мог найти мою ручку. Где она?I can't find my pen. (Where) is it?Exercise 7.3 (fill in the blanks by translating the words in brackets)1. Your roommate leaves for a weekend retreat in the mountains, and you say (see you soon):Увидимся!2. After you have dropped your kids off at the grandparents' house, you tell them (see you later):Пока!3. Your late afternoon meeting began at 3:30, but you arrive (late) at 3:45: поздно4. You hope that you find those keys (soon): скоро5. The concert started at 8 p.m. and you arrived exactly at 8 p.m. You were (on time): вовремя6. You check your e-mail (every day):каждый день------------Phone Conversations------------                 (the audio files of the conversations are on the 'Downloads' page)Two friends(ring)-Алло?(Hello?)-Алло, Маш. Привет. Это Наташа.(Hello, Masha. Hi. It's Natasha)-А, Наташ, привет. Как дела? -- should be 'Как жизнь'(Oh, it's you Natasha. How are you?) -- should be 'How's life/What's up'-Да так, ничего нового. Вот подкаст делаю. А ты чем занимаешься?(Nothing much. Just working on my podcast. What about you?)-А у меня времени ни на что не хватает. Мои дети сейчас занимаются каратэ, балетом, да еще и футболом! Нужно везде успеть.(And I have no idea where my time goes. My kids are going to karate, ballet and even soccer practices now! Gotta make it everywhere on time)-Может найдете часик поиграть с нами в парке?(How about finding an hour for a play date with us at the park?)-С удовольствием, Наташ. Давай встретимся во вторник в 5 вечера?(I'd love to, Natasha. Let us meet on Tuesday at 5pm)-Давай. Ну, до встречи.(OK, See you then)-Пока.(Bye)------------------------------------------------------------------------------School Principal  calls  a Parent(ring)-Алло?(Hello)-Добрый день. Могу ли я поговорить с Марией Витальевной?(Good afternoon. May I speak with Maria Vitalyevna?)-Да пожалуйста, это я.(Yes, of course. This is she)-Мария Витальевна, с Вами говорит Наталия Николаевна, директор школы, где учится ваша дочь Катя.(Maria Vitalyevna, this is Natalia Nickolayevna, the principal of Katya's school)-Да, я Вас слушаю.(I see. I am listening)-Дело в том, что нам нужно встретиться и поговорить о Катином поведении.( The thing is, we need to have a talk about Katya's behaviour)-Что-то серьезное произошло?(Something bad happened?)-Пока нет. Но может произойти. Вам в пятницу вечером удобно? Скажем в 6 часов?(Not yet, but may happen in the future. Is Friday night OK for you? Say about 6pm?)-Да, конечно. На каком этаже ваш кабинет?(Sure. That'll be fine. Which floor is your office?)-На втором. Всего хорошего, Мария Витальевна.(It's on the 2nd floor. All the best, Maria Vitalyevna)-Спасибо за звонок, Наталия Николаевна. До свидания.(Thank you for calling, Natalia Nickolayevna. Good-bye.)-До свидания.(Good-bye)---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Миленький ты мой" ("My Sweetie") Автор текста: народныеАвтор музыки: народныеМиленький ты мойВозьми меня с собойТам в краю далёкомбуду тебе женойМилая моя,Взял бы я тебяНо там в краю далёкоместь у меня жена.Миленький ты мойВозьми меня с собойТам в краю далёкомбуду тебе сестройМилая моя,Взял бы я тебяНо там в краю далёкоместь у меня сестра.Миленький ты мойВозьми меня с собойТам в краю далёкомбуду тебе чужойМилая моя,Взял бы я тебяНо там в краю далёкомчужая ты мне не нужна.

Привет, дорогие слушатели. (Hi, dear listeners). Сегодня суббота, 22 октября. (Today's Saturday, Oct. 22nd.) Let's check your homework from the previous lesson#7: Exercise 7.1 1. Туристы летают в Мексико-Сити из Нью-Йорка на самолете . Tourists travel from New York to Mexico City (by plane). 2. Люди ездят на работу на автобусе в Атланте. People go to work in Atlanta (by bus). 3. Поездка в Европу на теплоходе 3 месяца. The journey to Europe (by boat) is 3 months long. 4. Мы ходим пешком к бабушке. We walk (by foot) to Grandma's house. 5. Я поеду к врачу на машине завтра. I will drive (by car) to the doctor's office tomorrow. 6. Они катались со спуска горы на лыжах . They went down the side of the mountain by (on skis). Exercise 7.2 1. Дорога идет вдоль берега. The road goes (alongside) the shoreline. 2. Где находится магазин? Он за углом . Where is the store located? It's (around the corner). 3. Кафе рядом с метро. The cafe is (next to) the subway. 4. Я вас видел вчера. Куда вы шли? I saw you yesterday. (Where) were you going? 5. Никак не мог найти мою ручку. Где она? I can't find my pen. (Where) is it? Exercise 7.3 (fill in the blanks by translating the words in brackets) 1. Your roommate leaves for a weekend retreat in the mountains, and you say (see you soon):Увидимся! 2. After you have dropped your kids off at the grandparents' house, you tell them (see you later):Пока! 3. Your late afternoon meeting began at 3:30, but you arrive (late) at 3:45: поздно 4. You hope that you find those keys (soon): скоро 5. The concert started at 8 p.m. and you arrived exactly at 8 p.m. You were (on time): вовремя 6. You check your e-mail (every day):каждый день ------------Phone Conversations------------ (the audio files of the conversations are on the 'Downloads' page) <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/screenshot12.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Two friends (ring) -Алло? (Hello?) -Алло, Маш. Привет. Это Наташа. (Hello, Masha. Hi. It's Natasha) -А, Наташ, привет. Как дела? -- should be 'Как жизнь' (Oh, it's you Natasha. How are you?) -- should be 'How's life/What's up' -Да так, ничего нового. Вот подкаст делаю. А ты чем занимаешься? (Nothing much. Just working on my podcast. What about you?) -А у меня времени ни на что не хватает. Мои дети сейчас занимаются каратэ, балетом, да еще и футболом! Нужно везде успеть. (And I have no idea where my time goes. My kids are going to karate, ballet and even soccer practices now! Gotta make it everywhere on time) -Может найдете часик поиграть с нами в парке? (How about finding an hour for a play date with us at the park?) -С удовольствием, Наташ. Давай встретимся во вторник в 5 вечера? (I'd love to, Natasha. Let us meet on Tuesday at 5pm) -Давай. Ну, до встречи. (OK, See you then) -Пока. (Bye) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ School Principal calls a Parent (ring) -Алло? (Hello) -Добрый день. Могу ли я поговорить с Марией Витальевной? (Good afternoon. May I speak with Maria Vitalyevna?) -Да пожалуйста, это я. (Yes, of course. This is she) -Мария Витальевна, с Вами говорит Наталия Николаевна, директор школы, где учится ваша дочь Катя. (Maria Vitalyevna, this is Natalia Nickolayevna, the principal of Katya's school) -Да, я Вас слушаю. (I see. I am listening) -Дело в том, что нам нужно встретиться и поговорить о Катином поведении. ( The thing is, we need to have a talk about Katya's behaviour) -Что-то серьезное произошло? (Something bad happened?) -Пока нет. Но может произойти. Вам в пятницу вечером удобно? Скажем в 6 часов? (Not yet, but may happen in the future. Is Friday night OK for you? Say about 6pm?) -Да, конечно. На каком этаже ваш кабинет? (Sure. That'll be fine. Which floor is your office?) -На втором. Всего хорошего, Мария Витальевна. (It's on the 2nd floor. All the best, Maria Vitalyevna) -Спасибо за звонок, Наталия Николаевна. До свидания. (Thank you for calling, Natalia Nickolayevna. Good-bye.) -До свидания. (Good-bye) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Миленький ты мой" ("My Sweetie") Автор текста: народные Автор музыки: народные Миленький ты мой Возьми меня с собой Там в краю далёком буду тебе женой Милая моя, Взял бы я тебя Но там в краю далёком есть у меня жена. Миленький ты мой Возьми меня с собой Там в краю далёком буду тебе сестрой Милая моя, Взял бы я тебя Но там в краю далёком есть у меня сестра. Миленький ты мой Возьми меня с собой Там в краю далёком буду тебе чужой Милая моя, Взял бы я тебя Но там в краю далёком чужая ты мне не нужна.

Lesson 8 - Speaking on the Phone

Video Vocabulary #1 - Common Greetings and Phrases. You can find a PDF file of the vocabulary in the DOWNLOADS section of the site.  p.s. Isn't the sound of that BALALAIKA great in the video?

Video Vocabulary #1 - Common Greetings and Phrases. You can find a PDF file of the vocabulary in the DOWNLOADS section of the site. p.s. Isn't the sound of that BALALAIKA great in the video?

Video Vocabulary #01

Let's say you want to fly out of JFK to Scheremetyevo airport in Moscow, then take the train to Vladivostok, stopping to drive through the countryside both by car and by horseback. Or maybe you enjoy boat cruises and would love to go down the Volga river! In trying to put all of this into words, you realize that you need to use some new expressions. Here are some examples:Exercise 7.11. Туристы летают в Мексико-Сити из Нью-Йорка ____ . Tourists travel from New York to Mexico City (by plane).2. Люди ездят на работу ____ в Атланте. People go to work in Atlanta (by bus).3. Поездка в Европу ___  3 месяца. The journey to Europe (by boat) is 3 months long.4. Мы ходим ___ к бабушке. We walk (by foot) to Grandma's house.5. Я поеду к врачу ___ завтра. I will drive (by car) to the doctor's office tomorrow.6. Они катались со спуска горы __ . They went down the side of the mountain by (on skis).Exercise 7.21. Дорога идет ___ берега. The road goes (alongside) the shoreline.2. Где находится магазин? Он __ . Where is the store located? It's (around the corner).3. Кафе __  с метро. The cafe is (next to) the subway.4. Я вас видел вчера. __ вы шли? I saw you yesterday. (Where) were you going?5.  Никак не мог найти мою ручку. __  она? I can't find my pen. (Where) is it?Exercise 7.3  (fill in the blanks by translating the words in brackets)1. Your roommate leaves for a weekend retreat in the mountains, and you say (see you soon):____2. After you have dropped your kids off at the grandparents' house, you tell them (see you later):_____3. Your late afternoon meeting began at 3:30, but you arrive (late) at 3:45: __4. You hope that you find those keys (soon): ___5. The concert started at 8 p.m. and you arrived exactly at 8 p.m. You were (on time): __6. You check your e-mail (every day):___Numbers 11-2011 одиннадцать adeenatsat'12 двенадцать dvyenatsat'13 тринадцать treenatsat'14 четырнадцать cheytirnatsat'15 пятнадцать pyatnatsat'16 шестнадцать shyesnatsat'17 семнадцать syemnatsat'18 восемнадцать vasyemnatsat'19 девятнадцать dyevyatnatsat'20 двадцать dvatsat'(end consonants with an apostrophe (') after it is 'soft'  )Final words: That concludes our lesson 7. I have all the material we've covered today on spoonfulofrussian.com Don't forget to do the excersizes - we'll check them next time we meet.Oh, and here are the lyrics of the song (you can always view them on your iPod...as you are listening to this lesson, click 3 times)Черный кот Музыка Ю.Саульского. Слова М.ТаничаЖил да был черный кот за углом, И кота ненавидел весь дом. Только песня совсем не о том, Как не ладили люди с котом.Припев: Говорят, не повезет, Если черный кот дорогу перейдет, А пока - наоборот: Только черному коту и не везет.Целый день во дворе суета: Прогоняют с дороги кота, Только песня совсем не о том, Как охотился двор за котом.Даже с кошкой своей за версту Приходилось встречаться коту, Только песня совсем не о том, Как мурлыкала кошка с котом.Бедный кот от усов до хвоста Был черней, чем сама чернота, Да и песенка, в общем, о том, Как обидно быть черным котом.

Let's say you want to fly out of JFK to Scheremetyevo airport in Moscow, then take the train to Vladivostok, stopping to drive through the countryside both by car and by horseback. Or maybe you enjoy boat cruises and would love to go down the Volga river! In trying to put all of this into words, you realize that you need to use some new expressions. Here are some examples: <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/screenshot.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Exercise 7.1 1. Туристы летают в Мексико-Сити из Нью-Йорка ____ . Tourists travel from New York to Mexico City (by plane). 2. Люди ездят на работу ____ в Атланте. People go to work in Atlanta (by bus). 3. Поездка в Европу ___ 3 месяца. The journey to Europe (by boat) is 3 months long. 4. Мы ходим ___ к бабушке. We walk (by foot) to Grandma's house. 5. Я поеду к врачу ___ завтра. I will drive (by car) to the doctor's office tomorrow. 6. Они катались со спуска горы __ . They went down the side of the mountain by (on skis). <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/screenshot2.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Exercise 7.2 1. Дорога идет ___ берега. The road goes (alongside) the shoreline. 2. Где находится магазин? Он __ . Where is the store located? It's (around the corner). 3. Кафе __ с метро. The cafe is (next to) the subway. 4. Я вас видел вчера. __ вы шли? I saw you yesterday. (Where) were you going? 5. Никак не мог найти мою ручку. __ она? I can't find my pen. (Where) is it? <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/screenshot11.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Exercise 7.3 (fill in the blanks by translating the words in brackets) 1. Your roommate leaves for a weekend retreat in the mountains, and you say (see you soon):____ 2. After you have dropped your kids off at the grandparents' house, you tell them (see you later):_____ 3. Your late afternoon meeting began at 3:30, but you arrive (late) at 3:45: __ 4. You hope that you find those keys (soon): ___ 5. The concert started at 8 p.m. and you arrived exactly at 8 p.m. You were (on time): __ 6. You check your e-mail (every day):___ Numbers 11-20 11 одиннадцать adeenatsat' 12 двенадцать dvyenatsat' 13 тринадцать treenatsat' 14 четырнадцать cheytirnatsat' 15 пятнадцать pyatnatsat' 16 шестнадцать shyesnatsat' 17 семнадцать syemnatsat' 18 восемнадцать vasyemnatsat' 19 девятнадцать dyevyatnatsat' 20 двадцать dvatsat' (end consonants with an apostrophe (') after it is 'soft' ) Final words: That concludes our lesson 7. I have all the material we've covered today on <a href="http://spoonfulofrussian.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spoonfulofrussian.com</a> Don't forget to do the excersizes - we'll check them next time we meet. Oh, and here are the lyrics of the song (you can always view them on your iPod...as you are listening to this lesson, click 3 times) Черный кот Музыка Ю.Саульского. Слова М.Танича Жил да был черный кот за углом, И кота ненавидел весь дом. Только песня совсем не о том, Как не ладили люди с котом. Припев: Говорят, не повезет, Если черный кот дорогу перейдет, А пока - наоборот: Только черному коту и не везет. Целый день во дворе суета: Прогоняют с дороги кота, Только песня совсем не о том, Как охотился двор за котом. Даже с кошкой своей за версту Приходилось встречаться коту, Только песня совсем не о том, Как мурлыкала кошка с котом. Бедный кот от усов до хвоста Был черней, чем сама чернота, Да и песенка, в общем, о том, Как обидно быть черным котом.

Lesson 7 - Getting Around

Hi, everyone. Добрый день. This is just a short note to let you know I haven't forgotten about my listeners and "A Spoonful of Russian' podcast will be coming back! I also wanted to share with you an interview I recently gave to a BBC reporter and producer April Peavey. It aired today, January 4th, 2006. It was a pleasure and honor to work with April.  The interview is a co-production of the BBC World Service, PRI and WGBH Boston.

Hi, everyone. Добрый день. This is just a short note to let you know I haven't forgotten about my listeners and "A Spoonful of Russian' podcast will be coming back! I also wanted to share with you an interview I recently gave to a BBC reporter and producer April Peavey. It aired today, January 4th, 2006. It was a pleasure and honor to work with April. The interview is a co-production of the BBC World Service, PRI and WGBH Boston.

BBC interviews Natalia

How do you feel about food? Я люблю поесть! (I love to eat!) most people will say.     Whether you love it or hate it, we deal with food and talk about food every single day. That reminds me, I have to throw together PLOV (rice-based national dish of Uzbekistan) for tonight (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plov) ....be right back.  (Natalia making noise in her kitchen)  First, let me give you a list of some popular food items in Russian:  Хлеб - bread Соль - salt Сахар - sugar Яйца - eggs Икра - caviarМасло - butter Молоко - milk Кефир - kefir (a sour-tasting drink made from cow's milk fermented with certain bacteria.) Сок - juice Овощи - vegetables Фрукты - fruit Сыр - cheese Мясо - meat Рыба - fishКолбаса - sausage Шоколад - chocolate Торт - cake Вода - waterПиво - beer Шампанское - champaign Водка - vodka Чай - tea Кофе - coffeeJust to name a few. Now, some dishes in Russian: Салат - saladПлов - plov (Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf) Суп - soup Горячее - main course Беф-строганов - Beef Stroganoff Солянка   -   Russian Spicy Meat Soup Борщ  -   Ukranian Beet SoupВинегрет  -  Russian “Pink” Salad Vinaigrette Пельмени  -  Beef dumplings Грибы Фаршированные  - Stuffed Mushrooms Баклажанная икра  - Chopped eggplant simmered with tomatoes, carrots, pepper and onion. Селедка под шубой - Chilled slices of vinegar-marinated herring, served with sliced onions, turnip salad, boiled potatoes with a touch of butter and fresh dill. Блины - Crepes Шашлык  - KebabГолубцы - Cabbage leaves stuffed with meat+rice mixture Фаршированный Перец  -  Stuffed Greeen Peppers --------------------------------------------------------------------  Below is the dialog from today's lesson. Let's try to make an order at one of the Russian restaurants. It's lunch time and you are a client, клиент (speaking in masculine gender in this dialog) at one of the nicer Russian resaturants.  By now I am sure you will be able to greet your server (официант) properly in Russian. You would say 'Добрый день', 'Здравствуйте', but never 'Привет' or 'Здорово'....Leave the latter for your friends and family.  Your официант would probably ask you if you'd want a starter.  Официант: Что вы хотите на закуску? Server:         What would you like for a starter?  Клиент:      Порцию фаршированных грибов, пожалуйста. Client:         A serving of stuffed mushrooms, please.  Официант: Отлично. Что закажeте из горячего? Server:      Great. What would you like for your main course?  Клиент:       Я возьму борщ со сметаной. А винегрет у вас есть? Client:          I'll take some borsch with sourcream. Do you have vinaigrette on the menu?  Официант: Конечно есть. У нас отличный винегрет! Server:        Of course we do. We serve one great-tasting vinaigarette!  Клиент:       Тогда возьму тарелочку и винегрета. Client:           Then I'll take a plate of vinaigrette as well.  Официант:  Так, а на второе что будем? Позвольте порекомендовать Вам голубцы. Server:          OK. What would you have for your second course? May I recommend Golubtzi to you?  Клиент:       Голубцы так голубцы. Давненько я их не едал. Client:          Golubtzi it will be. Haven't eaten them in a long time.  Официант:  Очень хорошо. Что будете пить? У нас есть чай, кофе, пиво, шампанское, водка.  Server:          Very well.  What are we going to drink? We have tea, coffee, beer, champaign, vodka.  Клиент:       Ну для спиртного еще рановато, да и компания нужна. Принесите мне просто кофейку.Client:          It's a bit too early for alchohol, and one has to have company for that. Why don't you just bring me coffee.  Официант:  Сделаем так, как скажете! Через парочку минут принесу закуску. Server:          Will do as you ask. I'll bring your starter in a couple of minutes.  Клиент:      Спасибо. Client:          Thanks.    After your meal, if you are inclined to do so, you can leave a tip (чаевые), which is between 18-20% of your bill. Leaving a tip is still only customary at upscale restaurants in Russia as my sources tell me. ---------------------------------------------------------  Today, I'm gonna play a song from a Russian comedy called "Кавказская Пленница" ("The Prisoner of Caucasus"). The song is titled "A Song about Bears". It's a funny song about polar bears who spin the axis of the Earth so that the life would go on. :) And how do they do that? They rub their backs against the axis!  Где-то на белом свете Там где всегда мороз Трутся спиной медведи О земную ось  Мимо плывут столетья Спят подо льдом моря Трутся об ось медведи Вертится земля  Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля  Трутся они стараясь Вертят земную ось Чтобы влюблённым раньше Встретиться пришлось  Чтобы однажды утром Раньше на год иль два Кто - то сказал кому - то Главные слова  Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Главные сказал слова Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Главные сказал слова  Вслед за весенним ливнем Раньше прийдёт рассвет И для двоих счастливых Много - много лет  Будут сверкать зарницы Будут ручьи звенеть Будет туман клубиться Белый как медведь  Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится земля  Где-то на белом свете Там где всегда мороз Трутся спиной медведи О земную ось  Мимо плывут столетья Спят подо льдом моря Трутся об ось медведи Вертится земля  Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля  Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля

How do you feel about food? Я люблю поесть! (I love to eat!) most people will say. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/nat%40restaurant.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/fruit%20banner.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>  Whether you love it or hate it, we deal with food and talk about food every single day. That reminds me, I have to throw together PLOV (rice-based national dish of Uzbekistan) for tonight (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plov</a>) ....be right back. (Natalia making noise in her kitchen) First, let me give you a list of some popular food items in Russian: Хлеб - bread Соль - salt Сахар - sugar Яйца - eggs <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/caviar_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Икра - caviar Масло - butter Молоко - milk Кефир - kefir (a sour-tasting drink made from cow's milk fermented with certain bacteria.) Сок - juice Овощи - vegetables Фрукты - fruit Сыр - cheese Мясо - meat <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/fish_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Рыба - fish Колбаса - sausage Шоколад - chocolate Торт - cake <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/water_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Вода - water Пиво - beer Шампанское - champaign Водка - vodka Чай - tea <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/coffee_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Кофе - coffee Just to name a few. Now, some dishes in Russian: <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/cucumbers_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Салат - salad Плов - plov (Uzbek-style Rice Pilaf) Суп - soup Горячее - main course Беф-строганов - Beef Stroganoff Солянка - Russian Spicy Meat Soup <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/borsch_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Борщ - Ukranian Beet Soup Винегрет - Russian “Pink” Salad Vinaigrette Пельмени - Beef dumplings Грибы Фаршированные - Stuffed Mushrooms Баклажанная икра - Chopped eggplant simmered with tomatoes, carrots, pepper and onion. Селедка под шубой - Chilled slices of vinegar-marinated herring, served with sliced onions, turnip salad, boiled potatoes with a touch of butter and fresh dill. Блины - Crepes <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/kebab_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Шашлык - Kebab Голубцы - Cabbage leaves stuffed with meat+rice mixture Фаршированный Перец - Stuffed Greeen Peppers -------------------------------------------------------------------- <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/strawberries_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Below is the dialog from today's lesson. Let's try to make an order at one of the Russian restaurants. It's lunch time and you are a client, клиент (speaking in masculine gender in this dialog) at one of the nicer Russian resaturants. By now I am sure you will be able to greet your server (официант) properly in Russian. You would say 'Добрый день', 'Здравствуйте', but never 'Привет' or 'Здорово'....Leave the latter for your friends and family. Your официант would probably ask you if you'd want a starter. Официант: Что вы хотите на закуску? Server: What would you like for a starter? Клиент: Порцию фаршированных грибов, пожалуйста. Client: A serving of stuffed mushrooms, please. Официант: Отлично. Что закажeте из горячего? Server: Great. What would you like for your main course? Клиент: Я возьму борщ со сметаной. А винегрет у вас есть? Client: I'll take some borsch with sourcream. Do you have vinaigrette on the menu? Официант: Конечно есть. У нас отличный винегрет! Server: Of course we do. We serve one great-tasting vinaigarette! Клиент: Тогда возьму тарелочку и винегрета. Client: Then I'll take a plate of vinaigrette as well. Официант: Так, а на второе что будем? Позвольте порекомендовать Вам голубцы. Server: OK. What would you have for your second course? May I recommend Golubtzi to you? Клиент: Голубцы так голубцы. Давненько я их не едал. Client: Golubtzi it will be. Haven't eaten them in a long time. Официант: Очень хорошо. Что будете пить? У нас есть чай, кофе, пиво, шампанское, водка. Server: Very well. What are we going to drink? We have tea, coffee, beer, champaign, vodka. Клиент: Ну для спиртного еще рановато, да и компания нужна. Принесите мне просто кофейку.Client: It's a bit too early for alchohol, and one has to have company for that. Why don't you just bring me coffee. Официант: Сделаем так, как скажете! Через парочку минут принесу закуску. Server: Will do as you ask. I'll bring your starter in a couple of minutes. Клиент: Спасибо. Client: Thanks. <a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3246/1456/1600/icecream_%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F%3F.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> After your meal, if you are inclined to do so, you can leave a tip (чаевые), which is between 18-20% of your bill. Leaving a tip is still only customary at upscale restaurants in Russia as my sources tell me. --------------------------------------------------------- Today, I'm gonna play a song from a Russian comedy called "Кавказская Пленница" ("The Prisoner of Caucasus"). The song is titled "A Song about Bears". It's a funny song about polar bears who spin the axis of the Earth so that the life would go on. :) And how do they do that? They rub their backs against the axis! Где-то на белом свете Там где всегда мороз Трутся спиной медведи О земную ось Мимо плывут столетья Спят подо льдом моря Трутся об ось медведи Вертится земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Трутся они стараясь Вертят земную ось Чтобы влюблённым раньше Встретиться пришлось Чтобы однажды утром Раньше на год иль два Кто - то сказал кому - то Главные слова Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Главные сказал слова Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Главные сказал слова Вслед за весенним ливнем Раньше прийдёт рассвет И для двоих счастливых Много - много лет Будут сверкать зарницы Будут ручьи звенеть Будет туман клубиться Белый как медведь Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится земля Где-то на белом свете Там где всегда мороз Трутся спиной медведи О земную ось Мимо плывут столетья Спят подо льдом моря Трутся об ось медведи Вертится земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля Ля ля ля ля ля ля ля Вертится быстрей земля

Lesson 9 - Food

Sergei Esenin

Russian Poems series. "Stars" by Sergei Esenin.

Звёзды - Сергей Есенин (Stars - Sergei Esenin)

Inspired by last night's thunderstorm, our next poem is by Ф.И. Тютчев "Весенняя Гроза".English translation by Dmitri Obolensky

Inspired by last night's thunderstorm, our next poem is by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fyodor_Tyutchev" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ф.И. Тютчев</a> "Весенняя Гроза". <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebe_(mythology)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> English translation by <a href="http://www.poezia.ru/article.php?sid=42249" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dmitri Obolensky</a>

A Spring Storm (Весенняя Гроза) - Ф.И. Тютчев

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