The Russian language is widely considered to be one of the most challenging languages to learn for English speakers.
So, if you're here to develop your Russian skills without paying a long-term visit to Russia, then you'll definitely benefit from this guide that we've put together to help you learn Russian interactively through videos.
By watching video content, Russian learners will be able to work on all language learning competencies - not just pronunciation - while still remaining engaged and enthusiastic about their process.
You can also check out this post we made with more useful tips on how to learn Russian on your own.
Learning languages with videos allows you to go at your own pace while having fun! Let's see how you can optimize your learning.
Make notes when watching Russian TV series
Making notes while you're watching videos in Russian is a great way to make your language learning journey an interactive experience.
Write down any new words that come up and create your own vocabulary lists, which will be a valuable resource for your learning journey.
In fact, even as a beginner, you can use Russian videos to learn the Russian alphabet. You can do so by writing down phrases and sentence structures, or any new word that comes up. Be sure to look these up online, and then practice using them.
By learning basic Russian phrases in this way, you'll be able to start practicing right from the get-go!
The Russian Alphabet & Grammar
In order to start reading the subtitles in videos, beginners will first need to become familiar with the Russian alphabet.
The Cyrillic alphabet used to form Russian words comes from the Cyrillic script, created in the 9th century and used in the first Slavic literary language.
Russian grammar follows an Indo-European inflexional structure, which means that words will change according to their grammatical category (tense, case, voice, etc.).
The fastest way to learn to read any foreign language is to learn its alphabet as quickly as possible. Doing so will save you heaps of time in the longer term.
Read Russian language subtitles
Once you've started to make some progress with the Russian alphabet and have familiarized yourself with beginner-level grammar basics, you should be able to start reading Russian words and subtitles.
Reading subtitles on your journey toward speaking Russian is vital. You'll start building Russian vocabulary while still working on your listening skills.
The Russian language is considered a phonetic language, which means that each letter corresponds to a sound. Hence, once you learn the phonetics of Russian (and its alphabet), you'll be ready to start reading.
Knowing how to read subtitles will teach you to associate written words with spoken words, which will provide a solid foundation for your writing skills. It will also prepare you to speak more regularly and with greater confidence.
Watch content with native Russian speakers
In any language, listening and becoming familiar with how native speakers interact with each other in real life is essential if you want to master fluency.
If you listen to the Russian language spoken first-hand by watching videos, you'll (gradually) become more familiar with its sounds and phonetics. The more video content in Russian that you expose yourself to, the easier it will become to understand it.
Moreover, you'll improve your pronunciation skills, by learning the correct pronunciation from Russian native speakers themselves.
The internet boasts a variety of platforms from which to find videos of native speakers that teach Russian. The most popular of these are YouTube, Lingopie, and websites dedicated to Russian language teaching.
The best Russian movies with native speakers
At Lingopie, we know how beneficial movies and TV shows can be when it comes to foreign language learning.
Watching movies will help you to stay motivated as you progress on your quest to speak Russian. They are also a source of key Russian vocabulary.
Check out the movies below if you're interested in learning Russian through film.
Burnt By The Sun "Утомлённые солнцем" (1994)
Russia is a country with a fascinating, albeit bloody modern history. Depicted in this Academy award-winning drama, Burnt By The Sun addresses the period of the Great Purge (1936 to 1938) head-on.
Besides focusing on the complex interpersonal dynamics between its main characters, it also depicts how members of the Communist Party were accused of being "saboteurs" by the regime and consequently killed.
The dialogue isn't 100% appropriate for beginners unless you watch it with subtitles. However, this movie provides an excellent insight into Russian history. You will also build vocabulary lists relating to political and military themes.
The Irony Of Fate, Or Enjoy Your Bath! "Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром!" (1976)
The perfect film to choose if you want to dive into Russian culture! In the style of a comedy of errors, this entertaining film is available for free on YouTube.
It follows the story of some friends that gather on New Year's eve to celebrate some good news. Their drinking leads them to make some funny mistakes.
This movie is watched by Russian families and friends on New Year's Eve and has become a Russian holiday tradition.
Hipsters "Стиляги" (2008)
Set in the 1950s Soviet era, this entertaining musical comedy follows the hipster subculture of Russians who love American music and do not want to conform to Communist rules.
Given its genre and style, this film is suitable even for a beginner. In particular, the catchy songs will be useful to learn Russian.
Subscribe to a streaming service with Russian lessons included
An incredible way to improve your Russian learning is by complementing videos with actual Russian lessons. There are many ways to do this, and we've provided some suggestions below.
Where to find Russian lessons online
Lingopie
Lingopie offers both videos and innovative learning features and interactive exercises for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners. You can also book Russian lessons with a tutor through the platform.
Its quality content and resources are specifically designed for you to have fun while learning. You can sign up for a free trial of our streaming services to give it a go.
With Lingopie, you can enjoy the full benefits of learning in an interactive environment.
Russian For Free
With Russian For Free, you'll have access to a free account. That's right, no money is needed to access content on this platform.
You can take a beginners' course and listen to numerous audio and video lessons with text covering dialogue, phrases, and grammar.
This is definitely worth checking out if you're looking for cost-free audio lessons and videos.
Russian with Max
Russian with Max is a channel dedicated specifically to learning Russian with videos. You can find it on YouTube and start to learn Russian through video with a native Russian speaker for free.
Each video is a lesson that addresses a specific topic. You'll have access to grammar explanations, vlogs, and commentary on a wide range of subjects.
Watch documentaries to integrate yourself into Russian culture
One of the most important aspects of language learning is getting to know the culture and customs of the country where the language is spoken.
The best way to immerse yourself in Russian culture without traveling to Russia is to watch videos, movies, and documentaries. Travel videos or vlogs will take you there!
Be sure to search for this type of video content to help you learn.
FAQs Relating to learning Russian with videos
Can you learn Russian from YouTube?
Yes, you can learn Russian from YouTube. There is a myriad of channels available which provide video content in Russian.
In order to stay focused, be sure to get organized. For example, create a playlist with videos by topic so that you can go back to them whenever needed.
What is the fastest way to learn Russian?
Immersion is widely considered to be the most effective way to learn a foreign language quickly.
You can achieve this either by traveling to a Russian-speaking country or by watching videos, TV series, and movies in the Russian language.
If you add certain exercises as you're watching and listening to videos, then you've found yourself the fastest way to learn Russian!
Can you learn Russian by watching TV?
Yes, you can learn Russian by watching TV, provided that you stick to your plan and take an active approach to your learning.
Make use of subtitles to help you at the beginning and be sure to create grammar and vocabulary lists as you go along. If a new word comes up, write it down.
How can I learn Russian fast by myself?
You can learn Russian fast by yourself by making sure to dedicate time to it daily.
Pair videos with grammar study and practice with a partner. Alternatively, book a lesson with a language tutor for accelerated progress.
Summing up: How to Learn Russian with Videos
Today we looked at some of the most effective ways in which to learn Russian with videos.
Learning languages through video content is by far the most fun and effective way to learn a new language. Doing so with Russian is no different.
Whether you prefer video and/or audio lessons, or even movies, you can access videos and resources suited to everyone online. You can even create a personalized playlist to support your learning or book a lesson with a tutor.
Why not sign up for a free trial with Lingopie to learn Russian? You'll get access to great videos, TV shows, and language exercises.
Start learning Russian with videos today!
