Diminutive Suffixes in Russian: How They Are Formed and When to Use Them
Seven-year-old Alyosha came back from school. His mom met him: «Alyoshenka, how was your day?» He went into his room, and immediately the phone rang with his grandma calling:…
April 29, 2026
The seasons in Russian: winter, spring, summer, autumn
Mom asks, «What season is it?» The child looks out the window. Snow. Says «winter.» Mom sighs. They had been studying. «Winter» was hanging on the...
April 28, 2026
Numbers in Russian: why a child says «eight» instead of «восемь»
Numbers in Russian: Why a child says «eight» instead of «восемь» Grandma is calling. She asks: «How old are you?» The child looks at the camera. Pause. «Eight.»...
April 27, 2026
Russian Winter Hat: History, How to Wear, and Where to Buy
A package arrived from Moscow. The box is big, heavy, with handwriting on it. The child in the hallway impatiently pulls at the tape. Mom is nearby. We opened it...
April 27, 2026
Russian Italic Script. How to write by hand and printable handwriting worksheets
The postcard arrived on Thursday. A plain white envelope with a stamp from Saratov, Grandma's return address written askew in blue ink. Mom took out a sheet of paper...
April 27, 2026
How to ask for and respond to thanks
«Please in Russian: how to ask for and respond to thanks Mom asks child: »Please pass the sugar.« The child passes it. Mom says »thank you." Child..."
April 26, 2026
How to ask "How are you?" in Russian and what to answer
Grandma calls. She asks, «How are you?» The child is silent. Or says «good.» Grandma waits. She doesn't get an answer. This isn't a matter of upbringing. The child is happy...
April 26, 2026
Samovar: History and Traditions of Russian Tea Drinking
A child sees a photograph. In it is a grandmother and a large copper object with a faucet. «Mom, what is that?» Mom looks. Pause. It's not...
April 25, 2026
Schools in the US are launching hybrid programs right in the middle of a budget crisis. What does this mean for your child?
Let's go in order. On April 20, 2026, a school board meeting took place in Midland, Michigan. A routine event that in...
April 25, 2026
Russian Flirting: Pickup Lines and Compliments
At a friend's party. Someone brought a Russian-speaking friend. She's laughing, speaking with an accent, and tucking her hair behind her ear. You want to go over and say something...
April 24, 2026
