Our Russian Language Teacher: Anna Simakova
Last week, I interviewed* my Russian language teacher, Anya (Aня), to learn a little bit more about her background. Our class discussions are far-ranging and she regularly asks us questions that touch on many themes. All students regularly share and exchange experiences which helps us learn new and valuable vocabulary. This time, the questions were directed to her!
*N.B. Translated and edited from Russian
ABOUT ME
- I live in Moscow, but I was born in Obninsk, Russia’s first scientific city, where the world’s first nuclear power plant was built.
- I decided to become a Russian language teacher because I like to see the results of my work right away and I hate computers and working with a set schedule in an office. I’m very proud of my work and all my students love me (or so they say).
- I speak French and English, but I haven’t had a chance to practice for a long time, and I’ve almost forgotten these languages.
- My favourite dish is fresh seafood pasta, but unfortunately you can’t get it in Russia.
- I’d like to travel to Asia because I’ve never been there, and I’ve had enough of Europe.
- My favourite saying is: “We’ll see about that…” You can use it in any situation, as a joke or a threat 🙂
TEACHING APPROACH
In order to get the best results, students should be ready to work hard in class, and stay engaged in the lessons. They need to be involved in the discussions and always do their homework (this is particularly important) and they shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions if something isn’t clear. The hardest parts of the Russian language are declensions, verbs of movement, and perfect and imperfect verb forms…frankly, it’s all hard 🙂
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Apart from classes, students should watch Russian television, read Russian newspapers and magazines, and try to make friends with the locals, as well as go to the theatre, watch movies in Russian, and attend public lectures.
MUST-SEE MOSCOW
I always tell my students to make sure they visit the Kremlin, take in the exhibits at the Tretyakov Gallery, see a show at the Bolshoi Theatre, and relax in Gorky Park.
Personally, I like to go walk around Patriarch’s Ponds and the neighbourhood! For a night out, my friends and I like to go to Kitay-Gorod, or have some wine on the bank overlooking the Moscow River.
This interview was brought to you by Maria, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz Moscow
