Many Russian-speaking immigrants want their children to know the Russian language and culture.
They want to maintain communication between their kids and grandparents, even when thousands of kilometers separate them. But how can you develop the habit of learning Russian in a child when everyone around them speaks English?
Why Should a Child Learn Russian?
If a child grows up abroad, they can quickly forget Russian — or never really learn it. For them, it may simply seem unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the older generation remaining in their homeland gradually loses connection with them. Sometimes it reaches the point where children can’t understand their grandparents without a parent translating.
The connection is broken. And without that connection, children lose touch with their past — which also affects their future.
Successful children need a strong foundation in their family heritage. Wouldn’t you want your children to be able to speak freely with their grandparents, share news, and ask for advice?
However, true understanding requires more than just knowing Russian on a technical level. Without an understanding of Russian culture, children may not grasp many expressions used by grandparents. The speech of the older generation is full of metaphors, sayings, and traditional expressions.
One mother wrote to us: “My daughter finally got my mother’s joke and actually laughed!” That’s why we do what we do—it’s about creating real connections between generations.
How to Teach Russian to Children
First, explain to your child the importance of communicating with older family members. Children should know the history of their family and hear its stories. They need to be able to relate to and understand their grandparents.
Second, Russian lessons should be engaging, not overwhelming. It’s important not to discourage a child from learning. Russian is a complex language, and it can be too much if you just hand them textbooks and expect them to memorize rules.
Start with simple steps and use a variety of motivating activities. Most importantly, speak Russian at home as often as possible. This helps your child get used to pronunciation and encourages them to practice speaking.
Ultimately, you are the one who can create a connection between your children and your parents. That connection — and knowledge of their heritage — is essential for your child’s future and for raising a successful, confident individual.
