The Russian Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka is like a vibrant bridge connecting two worlds, the enchanting rich tapestry of Russia and the charm of Sri Lankan culture.
Here, young minds gather not just to learn the Russian Language or for ballet dancing but to dive into a colorful mix of tradition, the arts and endless other possibilities.
The Youth Observer recently had the opportunity to chat with two vibrant educators, Abramova Ulyana and Gracheva Anastasia who are on a mission to share their passion to teach the Russian Language far away from home. With interests ranging from singing to photography, they bring a fresh perspective to cultural exchange, reminding us that the world is a little smaller and a lot more interesting when we embrace each other’s stories and passions.
Exciting adventure
Ulyana and Anastasia, two spirited Russian Language teachers, have set off on an exciting adventure in Sri Lanka, where they’re all about connecting cultures and inspiring eager learners. Before venturing to Sri Lanka, Ulyana spent her time teaching English. “Before this experience, I was only an English teacher,” she said with a smile. “But that experience really laid the groundwork for me to dive into teaching Russian here”.
Anastasia, who already had a knack for teaching Russian to foreign students, chimed in, “Our actual desire to show others what the Russian Language and culture is all about, inspired us to become teachers.”
Gracheva Anastasia and Abramova Ulyana
Anastasia’s journey to Sri Lanka has a fascinating twist. Winning the ‘Masters of the Russian Language’ competition, organised by Rossotrudnichestvo in partnership with the Moscow State Linguistic University, opened the door for her to pick a country for her internship. “I chose Sri Lanka because of its rich cultural heritage and the rising interest in the Russian Language,” she shared with enthusiasm.
Since touching down in Sri Lanka, the duo has found their experience to be incredibly rewarding. Ulyana can’t help but express her joy about the warm interactions with locals. “We really enjoy being here and chatting with people,” she said. “Everyone is so motivated and dedicated to learning Russian and exploring our culture.” Anastasia added, “The warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people made me feel at home right away. Exploring cultural sites and indulging in local cuisine has been absolute bliss.”
What truly stands out for them is the eagerness of their students and the electric energy around them. “Interacting with the students is a delight,” Anastasia said. “Their enthusiasm to learn about the Russian Language and culture makes teaching such a joy.”
Exploring a new culture
Adapting to a new culture and environment is no easy feat and Ulyana and Anastasia have faced their fair share of challenges since arriving in Sri Lanka.
“The food has been quite unusual for us. Let’s just say it’s taken a little getting used to. Then there’s the heavy traffic that felt downright chaotic at first and those tuk-tuk rides? They were a thrilling roller coaster,” Ulyana said, adding that unexpected rain showers and the early sunsets were also surprising adjustments.
Anastasia said, recognising the inevitable hurdles that come with new experiences. “Adapting means dealing with Language barriers and different educational practices. But I view these challenges as golden learning opportunities,” she said. By immersing herself in Sri Lankan customs and engaging with local colleagues and students, Anastasia has found that understanding the cultural nuances has made her adaptation process much smoother.
When it comes to teaching at the Russian Centre in Colombo, Ulyana and Anastasia have a diverse range of students. Explaining the classroom dynamic Ulyana said, “We have two main groups: one with students around 20-years and another consisting of adults aged 30 to 60. Most of our learners are beginners, starting from a 0 to A1 Language level.” Anastasia elaborated on her own experience, highlighting her work with various age groups. “I teach everyone from school students to university attendees and even fellow teachers,” she said. Her classes vary in proficiency, covering A1 to A2 levels. She has conducted intensive Russian sessions at the University of Kelaniya and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, where students from different courses participated.
Anastasia organised professional development courses for Sri Lankan school teachers, aimed at enhancing their skills in teaching Russian. “We explored modern trends, gamification and collaborative learning techniques,” she said, emphasising the importance of making learning engaging and practical.
Effective teaching methods
For Ulyana and Anastasia, effective teaching methods are the key to student engagement. Ulyana advocates for a playful approach, saying, “We find that gaming and interactive methods really connect with students. When emotions are involved, they tend to remember things better.” Anastasia agrees but adds her spin to it. “I lean heavily on a communicative and interactive teaching style,” she said. “Incorporating role-playing games, situational exercises and thematic quizzes makes learning dynamic and relatable. It’s all about using modern resources and gamification techniques to keep the excitement alive.” With their shared passion and innovative approaches, Ulyana and Anastasia are turning the classroom into a lively space where learning the Russian Language feels like an adventure rather than a chore.
Sharing the rich culture
Coming to share the rich traditions and customs of Russia, Ulyana and Anastasia have embraced the opportunity to introduce their students to the vibrant culture. Ulyana said, “We’ve shared specific traditions from Russia during our main holidays.” Anastasia added, “I’ve had the chance to showcase various Russian customs, especially during the Russian Language Festival at the Russian House in Colombo. We introduced students to Russian cultural elements through fun quizzes and interactive activities.” In their lessons, they also explore Russian Festivals, culinary delights and historical events, creating a colourful tapestry of culture for their students to enjoy.
However, learning Russian isn’t without its challenges. Ulyana said, “The biggest hurdle for our students is the pronunciation of Russian sounds, the correct endings, and grasping the intricacies of Russian grammar.”
Anastasia said, “Common challenges include mastering the Cyrillic alphabet and tackling complex grammatical structures such as cases and verb conjugations.”
The difference between Russian and the native languages spoken in Sri Lanka can make it tough for students to fully immerse themselves outside the classroom.
Yet, both teachers are optimistic. “With our interactive teaching methods and consistent practice, students can overcome these obstacles,” they said.
When discussing their future plans, Ulyana and Anastasia had different yet hopeful perspectives. Ulyana expressed a strong desire for more international experience, saying, “If we had the chance, we would absolutely want to teach abroad again after Sri Lanka.”
Anastasia, while planning to return to Moscow, said, “The experience of teaching abroad has been invaluable and I’m open to future opportunities to promote the Russian Language internationally.”
Reflecting on their rewarding teaching experiences, Ulyana finds joy in students communicating independently. “The best moment is when they start chatting with you in Russian without any prompting,” she said. Anastasia added that witnessing her students’ progress was incredibly fulfilling. “Seeing them grow more confident in their skills brings me immense satisfaction” , she added.
Misconceptions about Russia
When it comes to common misconceptions about Russia and its Language, both teachers had plenty to share and their insights were eye-openers. Ulyana recalled a moment when students thought people in Russia ‘fight’. “We’d love to set the record straight, most people in Russia are friendly and don’t condone violence.” she said. Anastasia debunked the false notion that Russian was difficult to learn. “While it does have unique features, anyone can master it with practice”, she said. Anastasia also highlighted common fears about the Russian culture. “Many believe it’s vastly different and intimidating but it shares universal values such as family and hospitality,” she said.
She aims to bridge cultural gaps by showcasing these similarities. She addresses the misconception that learning Russian lacks practical benefits. “Russian is one of the six official languages of the UN, spoken by millions globally and it opens the doors to international relations, business and education,” she pointed out.
Advice to new learners
When it comes to advice to students just starting their journey in learning the Russian Language, Ulyana and Anastasia have plenty of encouragement to share. Ulyana urges new learners not to lose heart, saying, “Don’t give up, even if it feels really difficult. Find your own motivation and embrace it. And don’t forget to read texts and books in Russian.”
Anastasia adds her perspective, emphasising the importance of immersion. “Immerse yourself as much as possible in the language and culture.”
“Don’t let the new alphabet or grammar structures intimidate you, take it step by step. Practise regularly, engage with authentic materials such as Russian songs, films, and books and make it a point to ask questions. Making mistakes is just part of the learning process. Stay curious and open-minded, and enjoy the adventure of discovering a new Language,” she said.
As they wrap up, Anastasia expresses the hope that her experiences will inspire more students in Sri Lanka to dive into the exciting world of the Russian Language. “I want to thank the Russian House in Colombo for their incredible support during my time here. Their dedication to promoting the Russian language and culture has truly inspired me and played a huge role in the success of my teaching initiatives,” she said.
She appreciates the resources and welcoming atmosphere the Russian House provided, which allowed her to conduct interactive lessons, seminars and cultural events seamlessly. “They were instrumental in organising the Russian Language Festival, which brought together over 100 schoolchildren to engage with the Russian Language through fun quizzes and activities. I’m deeply appreciative of their commitment to strengthening ties between Russia and Sri Lanka and for giving me the chance to be part of such meaningful work,” she added.
Pix by Sulochana Gamage
