Learning Russian isn’t just about memorising vocabulary or nailing grammar - it’s about absorbing the culture that shapes the language. Here’s how to start immersing yourself, even if you’re still a beginner.
1. Swap Your Daily Media
Instead of scrolling through your usual social media feed, follow Russian pages or accounts. News outlets like Meduza or TJournal offer bite-sized articles in simple Russian. Even if you only understand 10% at first, exposure matters.
2. Cook Like a Russian
Food is culture. Try making blini (pancakes) or okroshka (cold soup) using Russian-language recipes. Label ingredients in your kitchen with sticky notes in Cyrillic.
Блины
[blʲin]“Bliny (pancakes)”
3. Learn Through Music
Russian music spans folk to pop. Start with clear-voiced artists like Mikhail Shufutinsky (for slower ballads) or Zemfira (alternative rock). For more, check out our guide on learning Russian through folk songs.
- Write down lyrics you hear and translate them line by line.
- Sing along - pronunciation practice doesn’t have to be boring.
4. Embrace the Little Rituals
Russians have specific ways of doing things. For example:
- Slippers indoors: It’s customary to take off shoes at home and switch to house slippers.
- Tea with sweets: Tea is almost always served with something sweet, like chocolate or varenie (jam).
5. Use Social Spaces
Join Russian-language forums or Telegram groups about hobbies you enjoy - gaming, knitting, or even birdwatching. Lurking in these spaces helps you pick up casual phrases and slang.
6. Watch Soviet Cartoons
Soviet-era cartoons like Nu, pogodi! (“Just You Wait!”) are culturally iconic and use simple, repetitive language. They’re also free on YouTube.
Ну, погоди!
/nu pɐˈgodʲi/“Just You Wait!”
Immersion isn’t about perfection - it’s about weaving Russian into your daily life. Start small, stay consistent, and soon, you’ll think in русский without realising it.
