Student Interview: Joolee, from Alaska
It was raining and windy in Riga today. After class, having studied new verbs (to ‘resemble’, among others), myself and a few other students went to lunch at ‘Delicio’, a restaurant similar to LIDO, though, I dare say, without bettering that renowned chain. We ate potatoes, shashlik, cake. Beer featured. It is important to renew one’s strength after nearly four hours of intensive Russian.
One of the best aspects of studying Russian in Riga with Liden & Denz is the opportunity to meet other students. They come from all over, for all sorts of reasons, but they are the same in the fact that, for whatever reason, a desire to learn Russian has moved them from another country, or continent, to Riga, where they know no-one and about which, very often, they know nothing. It is, I suppose, this union of purpose which instantly sparks friendship between students at the school.
So when, two weeks ago, someone from Alaska with a beautiful smile joined our class, I was interested to know; what brought you here?
Today, after lunch at Delicio, and having waited for the heavy rain to pass, I had the opportunity to ask Joolee from Alaska that question. We had made plans. We were going to meet some Old Believers in Latgales.
Joolee and I walked the twelve or so blocks to the Church. When we arrived we spoke briefly with the dedushka guarding the gate, who told us to return in two hours for the service. We got directions from some passing locals and made our way, past 17th century wooden houses, to ‘Mols’ shopping centre. Ah, the shopping centres of Riga! The inevitable RIMI; the bakery where babushkas talk behind the curtain, a single customer patiently waiting, lest he interrupt an important discussion of family politics. Shops full of sportive clothing, a faux Italian jeweller, an old keycutter, twenty cent toilets. Lido, of course. Passing this by we found a table on the second level and I took out my notebook.
Laef: Okay, let’s start with the basics. Why are you studying Russian? When did you first encounter the language?
J: Well, I first encountered Russian when I worked with the Peace Corps in Moldova in 1996. Although the majority of people in Moldova speak Moldovan, I was posted to a Russian speaking town. Because part of the training offered by the Peace Corps involves a three month language course, I began to learn Russian both in the classroom and as I engaged with people during the course of my work.
L: What did that experience teach you? About learning a language, that is? What about Russian do you find difficult?
J: Being forced by circumstance to learn and speak meant that, although it was difficult, my Russian improved quickly and I could soon speak with people. I also remember meeting and then taking lessons with a woman in the Soviet building I was staying in. She was a teacher of Russian literature! But yes, being forced to find words is a very good motivator.
I think because so much of my learning in the beginning involved speaking, I find grammar particularly difficult. I understand how to use Russian from having had to express myself to people who knew limited english, so my Russian is quite effective, but I’ve not extensively studied grammar. Liden and Denz has been great because we’re constantly encountering and thinking about the grammatical structure of the language. It’s been really helpful!
L: Ok, but your Russian is very good now. What have you done since Moldova to maintain your knowledge of the language?
J: Good question. I’ve encountered Russian many times in my life- circumstances for using it, that is. For example, when I was living in Korea I visited the Port of Busan, where there is a significant population of Russian-speakers. I’ve also worked in Antarctica in the past. Ships from Russia were not uncommon. I recall once giving a tour to the sailors in Russian.
Now, my main connection to Russian is my job in Alaska. I teach in Voznesenka, an Old Believer’s village near Homer, where I live. The families in Voznesenka are the descendants of Russian immigrants and still speak Russian. I hear the children speak Russian every day at school.
L: And now, Latvia. Tell me, did you know anything about Riga before this trip? And since arriving, what are some impressions you can share with people who haven’t visited?
J: I hadn’t heard much about Latvia, but I did read a great book before coming here. It was a brief history of Latvia by Vilis Inde. Since arriving? It’s been a fantastic experience, so far, and I’ve especially enjoyed living with my “host-mom”, Elena. One reason I find Riga so fascinating is the mix of Soviet and European influence— it has a very distinct character. You know, I was also surprised by how much Russian is spoken in ordinary life, especially in the centre. And, of course, the food! My personal favourites include sirok, kvass, grey peas with kefir, black bread and pink soup.
***
I finished writing out my notes, Joolee packed away the set homework, and, noticing that we had twenty minutes before the start of the service, we collected our things and headed back to the Church. We were given a tour and learnt a thing or two which, dear readers, I will speak about in the next post.
Until then,
Пока пока!
Laef, currently studying at Liden & Denz Riga.
