 |
Languages@Muhlenberg.edu
Newsletter 2002
|
|
| |
|
Russian:
A Vacation Choice...
|
|
Kevin poses on the Crimean coast |
I finished my undergraduate studies long ago, and I am not
currently enrolled in any graduate program. And yet, I find
myself studying elementary Russian in Dr. Iskold's class here
at Muhlenberg. So what inspired me at the age of 33 to begin
learning a language whose alphabet I could barely read?
I am no stranger to foreign languages and cultures. Eight
years of French study, a year of German, a student exchange
experience, and a Bachelor's degree in French and business
at Penn State (PSU) gave me a solid foundation. I had other
cultural influences as well. In the 1970's my family hosted
Soviet scientists visiting PSU. I have a Ukrainian ancestor
and an ex-girlfriend is from a family that emigrated from
Ukraine to Pennsylvania in the early 1960's. But I never considered
studying Russian.
Ultimately motivation to learn Russian came in the form of
an unusual vacation choice. In the spring of 2001 I joined
a vacation tour along the southern coast of Crimea, Ukraine.
On the flight there my generous Russian neighbor became my
tutor and I earned the smiles of the stewardesses with well-timed
"pazhalsta" (please) and "spasiba" (thank
you). During my visit I became enchanted by the beauty of
this Black Sea peninsula, and charmed by the generous nature
of the people I met there. When arrangements one day fell
through, an interpreter offered her services as guide. A six-hour
tour of Sevastopol, including the Greek ruins at Chersonesus
led to friendship we maintain to this day. I also met other
new friends, some who speak English, and some who don't. My
decision to learn Russian thus came from a desire to return
the generosity of these lovely people by learning their language.
After all, I will return to Crimea. This time, however, as
a guest of friends, rather than as tourist!
Has learning the Cyrillic alphabet been a challenge? Yes.
But, in just two semesters, I can proudly say that I can write
and type in Russian, I can count, and I can even carry a conversation.
Of course, I will not achieve fluency in just one year, but
my pursuit of Russian has reignited my desire to continue
learning and it has opened doors to an area of the world once
considered out of reach.
Kevin Pfoertsch, Evening College
|
|
|
|
|
|