Based on my current pace, I will finish my Russian course sometime in September 2028. Save the date! I’m planning a party
Five years ago, I decided to set a new goal for myself. It was time, I thought, to try and learn a new language. I had absolutely no idea that years later I would find myself using my new linguistic skills every day, while watching events unfold on the evening news.
At my workplace, there was a sign inside the front door that announced “Customer Service” in English and three other languages. It was the words at the bottom the sign, with their mysterious Cyrillic letters, that always caught my eye as I walked past each day. When I mentioned my plans to try and learn Russian, I noticed that people’s reactions were less than enthusiastic, too. Each would look momentarily stunned and, after an extended awkward pause, would finally say, “Really? That sounds really hard.” I would usually respond by saying that I was up for the challenge and then quickly change the subject.
She looked confused at first. But after a moment, she smiled. She told me in English that I had learned more Russian than her husband had in 10 years. I quickly replied that I still had a long way to go, then hurriedly resumed my tasks in silence so she could leave before I further embarrassed myself. I handed over her paperwork and she started to walk away. Then she stopped, turned back to me and said thank you in Russian before she left.
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